Ponte Vedra in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Cattle Ranching

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023

1. Cattle Ranching Marker

Inscription. One of the principle economic activities during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763) was cattle ranching. Beginning in the middle of the 17th Century, Spanish governors issued large tracts of land to prominent families, hoping to encourage the development of a Florida based agricultural and livestock economy. Two principal ranching areas developed in St. Johns County between 1655 and 1702: the Diego Plains along the Tolomato River, and an area along the banks of the St. Johns River. Expansion of the cattle industry beyond the country's boundaries largely ended with Governor Moore's invasion in 1702. Cattle raising remained an important part of the economy in St. Johns County. In establishing cattle ranches, the land now called Nocatee was considered good grazing lands during Spanish occupation.

Erected by St. Johns County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1655.

Location. 30° 6.554′ N, 81° 23.552′ W. Marker is in Ponte Vedra, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is on Davis Park Road one mile south of County Route 210, on the left when traveling south. Marker is in the parking area for Nocatee Preserve. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra FL 32081, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

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 was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jonathan Dickinson Shipwreck (a few steps from this marker); History of Palm Valley (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named History of Palm Valley (approx. 1.7 miles away); 30° 8' North Latitude (approx. 2.8 miles away); Fort San Diego (approx. 3.7 miles away); Mickler's Landing Park (approx. 4.2 miles away); Mickler's Landing (approx. 4.2 miles away); Mineral City (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponte Vedra.

Also see . . . Nocatee Preserve. (Submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 1, 2023

2. Cattle Ranching Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.