Milton in Santa Rosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Arcadia Mill
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 20, 2020
1. Arcadia Mill Marker
The Arcadia Mill site was the first and largest water-powered industrial complex in antebellum Florida. Arcadia Mill originated in 1817 as part of a Spanish land grant of approximately 680 acres. The site’s ironstone outcropping, a desirable mill seat, a sufficient source of water, and an abundant stand of virgin pine made it well-suited to the lumber industry. Between 1828 and 1855, the Arcadia industrial complex developed into a multi-faceted operation that included a railroad, two water-powered sawmills, a bucket factory, shingle mill, textile mill, and an experimental silk cocoonery. In addition to its industrial facilities, the surrounding Arcadia community was an ethnically diverse settlement, populated by enslaved African-American laborers, Anglo-American workers, and an elite management class. In the late 1980s, efforts made by the Santa Rosa Historical Society and the University of West Florida helped to save a portion of the Arcadia Mill site from modern development. Through ongoing archaeological and historical research, many aspects of the site have been investigated including its dam, first sawmill, textile
this page online
Erected 2012 by Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-761.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 30° 36.791′ N, 87° 5.018′ W. Marker is in Milton, Florida, in Santa Rosa County. It is on Mill Pond Lane north of Juan De Larua Court, on the right when traveling north. Marker located near the entrance to the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton FL 32583, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pensacola and on the Florida Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 20, 2020
2. Arcadia Mill Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Arcadia Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Existing Foundations: Sawmill and Textile Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Arcadia Dam and Water Works (within shouting distance of this marker); The Millrace (within shouting distance of this marker); Arcadia Dam (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elliott’s Flume (about 600 feet away); Plunge Pool (about 600 feet away); Arcadia’s Cotton Textile Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.
Also see . . . Historic Pensacola - Explore Arcadia Mill. University of West Florida Historic Trust (Submitted on July 6, 2020.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 20, 2020
3. Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 655 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
