Merritt Island in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
John R. Field Homestead
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, October 8, 2019
1. John R. Field Homestead Marker
Inscription.
John R. Field Homestead. . In 1868, the Field family landed on Merritt Island to start a new life. A year later, much of the family returned to Macon, Georgia, but the two eldest brothers John R. (J.R.) and Samuel J. (Sam) Field remained. Using the Homestead Act of 1862, they claimed over 450 acres with J.R. taking the northern section and Sam the southern plot. Sam used part of his land to help develop the community of Indianola, while J.R. and his family established a homestead. By 1880, the current two-story riverfront house was built for J.R., his wife Eliza, and their two daughters, Irene and Annie Eliza. The first crops J.R. planted were sugarcane and mangoes, but he later found more success in growing citrus. By 1900, he had built an onsite packing house and started to ship Indian River citrus nationwide. As the family grew, so did the house, and several additions were made to accommodate the three generations that lived there. In 1997, the Field house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alma Clyde, J.R.'s last living descendant to live on the property, passed away in 2013. She left the homestead to the community with the intent that it would serve as a museum for future generations to enjoy.
In 1868, the Field family landed on Merritt Island to start a new life. A year later, much of the family returned to Macon, Georgia, but the two eldest brothers John R. (J.R.) and Samuel J. (Sam) Field remained. Using the Homestead Act of 1862, they claimed over 450 acres with J.R. taking the northern section and Sam the southern plot. Sam used part of his land to help develop the community of Indianola, while J.R. and his family established a homestead. By 1880, the current two-story riverfront house was built for J.R., his wife Eliza, and their two daughters, Irene and Annie Eliza. The first crops J.R. planted were sugarcane and mangoes, but he later found more success in growing citrus. By 1900, he had built an onsite packing house and started to ship Indian River citrus nationwide. As the family grew, so did the house, and several additions were made to accommodate the three generations that lived there. In 1997, the Field house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alma Clyde, J.R.'s last living descendant to live on the property, passed away in 2013. She left the homestead to the community with the intent that it would serve as a museum for future generations to enjoy.
Erected 2019 by Brevard County Historical Commission, The Brevard County Tourist Development Council,
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and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1048.)
Location. 28° 23.887′ N, 80° 42.54′ W. Marker is on Merritt Island, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is at the intersection of North Tropical Trail and Pioneer Road, on the left when traveling north on North Tropical Trail. Homestead is located nearby and can be seen by appointment. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 Field Manor Drive, Merritt Island FL 32953, United States of America. Touch for directions.
to educate Brevard County residents and visitors about the agricultural and social history of Field Manor, through its operation and preservation, educational programming, and museum collections. (Submitted on October 14, 2019.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, October 8, 2019
3. John R. Field Homestead Marker
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, October 8, 2019
4. John R. Field Homestead Entrance Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.