[firemed]

Florida was the least populated Southern state in the least populated region of the country. The Florida peninsular swallowed up the early settlers and the sandy soil was not conducive in most areas to successful plantation life. The small farmer adopted to the tropical summer heat. Many of the early pioneers were Scots-Irish and non-Anglican English from Georgia and Alabama, who found the inexpensive lands outside Middle Florida ideal for a new life. The rich soils of the Tallahassee Hills was the only Florida region conducive to the large-scale plantation economy found in the Tidewater of the Carolinas.
The Florida Crackers gained their name either from the sound of their whips, driving mule and oxen teams, or by their hard meal biscuits they ate by the ton. Unlike the town folk, the crackers were predominately Baptist or Methodists, often worshiping in homes or outdoors until they were numerous enough to construct a chapel. Above all, they were individualists who believed a closely knit household and hard labor could conquer any obstacle.
Their hope for eternal salvation and a decent crop were tempered by their realistic outlook to the unyielding demands of frontier life. Every hour meant making decisions that could effect the success of the household. It was this freedom to control their destiny rather than their possibility of becoming a rich planter that was the source of personal pride. The farmer felt he was the equal of any other farmer.
The small farmer feared the arrival of planters and investors and Northern speculators. He knew the arrival of these groups signaled the end of their independence and political control. Even by 1850, there was still space in East Florida and West Florida, for a homesteader to escape the proximity of neighbors. If the initial farm was successful, the log cabin was usually replaced with a two-storied frame house of split-sided logs and a big front verandah. In the backyard was the familiar tool shad and barns. Around the sides were the vegetable gardens, chicken coops, and hog pens and no pool !!!!

[floridacracker]

All this time I thought a Florida Cracker was just a name for someone who was born and raised in Florida and still was a resident of Florida. I'm a Florida Cracker, my 3 kids are Florida Crackers and my wife is a Michigander.....a person born in Michigan.....she is now referred to as a transplant, someone who is from somewhere else who now lives in Florida.


Floridacracker

[pslOldTimer]

Very nice write-up. I favor the theory of the cracking of whips. Back in the day, Florida was a free-range for cattle; there were no fences. Cowboys rounded up the cattle according to brands, and then drove them to the East coast for shipment. The most famous cattle drives started in the Bradenton area and drove the cattle to Cobb's Landing in Fort Pierce.

Today, Florida ranchers reenact that cattle drive, although they now use rubber tires on the chuck wagons and shoes on the horses that are appropriate for pavement. They come across State Road 64 to Zolfo Springs, then SR 66 to US 27 just south of Sebring. They continue East on US 98 through Lorida, FLorida on to Fort Basinger, then turn on C 68 to US 441. North on 441 for 5 miles, then East on SR 68 towards Fort Pierce. They stop at the famous Adams Ranch, then go on to Fort Pierce and the restored Cobb's Mercantile Store.

This route is officially designated the Florida Cracker Trail and is named in honor of the first Florida Crackers, named after the sound of their whips as they drove the cattle across the state. This year's ride started Feb 18th and ends this weekend.

[dreamofmonterey]

Interesting posts!. Personally I feel the word transplant sounds strange-like we are in a greenhouse or something-lol.

sunny

[ssg II]

Great Thread, firemed!!!!

Real "Crackers" should know:

1) What is "Swamp Cabbage?"

2) The original names of these towns were "Hogtown" & "Cowtown." What are they called now?

[sunrico90]

The following site gives some good info on the FL cracker

http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~fcc/home.htm

[firemed]

Originally Posted by sunshinegirl

Great Thread, firemed!!!!

Real "Crackers" should know:

1) What is "Swamp Cabbage?"

2) The original names of these towns were "Hogtown" & "Cowtown." What are they called now?

Swamp Cabbage is made from a cabbage palm and if your not from the south you won't know what part to eat !

Gainesville should be hogtown

Orlando area I think was cowtown. But it might be kissimmee

[FleeingFloridaForever]

I live in Kissimmee, and we are proudly called "Kowtown" home of the pioneering cowboy.

My friends from Orlando joking call us "Cowtown",,,they're just jealous because they don't have the cow pastures like in Kissimmee...

(Unfortunately, Kissimmee is losing her cow pastures and is starting to look just like Orlando - blah and boring)

I was told the word "cracker" came from the days of slavery when the field overseer would crack his whip?!

I learned something new.

[ssg II]

Gainesville is Hogtown, but Orlando is NOT Cowtown.
What do the "gourmets" call swamp cabbage? And where you from boy? It's not a cabbage at all!

[floridacracker]

If I recall "swamp cabbage" is the heart of the cabbage palm. Have to admit I have lived in Florida all my life and have never had it. Plenty of my native friends tell me its great if it is prepared properly. Guess I'll have to go to the next swamp cabbage festival in southwest Florida and give it a try!!!



Floridacracker