No matter if you’re returning
from paddling on the Homosassa, goofing around watching the
residents of monkey island or diving with the manatees, this
is a spot of history you will not want to miss. This cache
will bring you to the site of the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins which
has recently been turned into a Florida
State Park. This cache was placed with full permission of
the park ranger.
Park information is available here
-> Yulee Sugar Mill Info
These remains are all that is left
from the steam-driven mill from a thriving 5,100-acre sugar
plantation that was owned by David Levy Yulee, a member of the Territorial
Legislative Council who served in the U.S. House of Representatives
and U.S. Senate after Florida became a state (he's the background
image and you can read more about him here -> Yulee biography). This mill operated from 1851 to 1864
and served as a supplier of sugar products for southern troops
during the Civil War. There is a forty-foot limestone masonry
chimney, iron gears, and a cane press. The steam-driven mill
operated from 1851 to 1864 and served as a supplier of sugar
products for southern troops during the Civil War. Informational
signs give the complete story at the site.
A six-table pavilion is located
across from the ruins, available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
At the pavilion area are grills and picnic tables. Public restrooms
are also available here. There are no fees charged to visit and
it’s a nice spot to walk your dog but keep them on a leash and
clean up after them :O) The area is open from 8am until sunset
every day of the year. Due to it’s remote location you should not
attempt this cache outside of the park operating hours as anyone
who is there is really not supposed to be.
This is a small cache and contains a
log and some small trade items so be sure to bring your own pen. Be
careful when seeking and re-hiding this to keep it hidden from
muggles and fun for everyone (and be sure to close the container
tightly to prevent the log from experiencing our wonderful Florida
rainfall).If you are interested in how sugar mills operate you can
click HERE for more information.
Enjoy the ruins and enjoy the
find,
IMPG
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FTF - February 27, 2007 by travelingteacher
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