Florida Naval Stores

Florida Naval Stores. . , Side 1: , The Naval stores industry, as the name implies, was once the backbone of every nations navy. The wood, tar, caulk, and other materials derived from the pine tree were needed to build, repair and waterproof wooden ships. America was home to large pine forests and became a vital part of British, Spanish, and later, United States Naval Stores industries. After navies began making their ships out of iron and steel, the chief product of the naval stores became turpentine and pine tar. These two products were common in many areas of life, from patent medicines to construction. , , Side 2: , During the 19th century, naval stores were Florida’s second largest industry. Turpentine camps were abundant across Florida including Manatee County. Smaller turpentine stills such as this one, once dotted Florida’s pinewood forests and processed the rosin or gum which had been extracted from the trees, turning it into turpentine from the condensation of the vapors out of the kettle to resin (the remaining viscous liqueur and after distillation). These ingredients were used to make products that were used in everything from sailing vessels to patent medicines.