Perry in Taylor County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida’s Forest Capital
Greetings from Perry
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 21, 2026
1. Florida’s Forest Capital Marker
Silviculture, commonly known as forestry, has been an integral part of Florida's economic sectors since statehood. Many North Florida townships were built around sawmill operations. The major exports of the first raitroads to be built in the state consisted of logs, lumber, cross ties and other products of the forest. The invention of circular sawmills began an era of lumbering that lasted nearly a century. In the early 1900s, the turpentine industry took off as millers discovered that resin tapped from slash and longleaf pine trees in Florida could be used to make pitch to caulk ships, as well as in other products such as paint, medicines and cosmetics.
Today, the Forest Capital Museum State Park honors a time in which longleaf, live oak, and cypress trees towered over the state and provided a livelihood for early settlers, notably, Florida Crackers. An authentic 19th-century cracker homestead located on the site offers a glimpse at life on the Florida frontier.
Florida’s Pioneer Spirit
Erected 2026 by America250FL Road Trip.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry
this page online
Location. 30° 4.826′ N, 83° 33.974′ W. Marker is in Perry, Florida, in Taylor County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Forest Park Drive, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 19. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3134 US-19, Perry FL 32348, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Florida. 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 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Perry Army Air Base (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Taylor County Salt Works (approx. 2.2 miles away); Jerkins High School (approx. 2½ miles away);
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 21, 2026
2. Florida’s Forest Capital Marker
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 21, 2026
3. Florida’s Forest Capital Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
