Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Site of First Houston Homestead
When the large cabin was completed (Houston had 8 children), the pioneer went to get his family. It took 3 weeks to drive the covered wagons and the herd of cattle and horses from Enterprise to the new home site.
Houston made friends with the Seminole Indians living in the area and they exchanged otter skins, alligator hides and fresh wild pork for sugar, coffee and other items the new settlers offered.
Having no fishing tackle, the Houston family built a skiff and found that by burning a torch in a bucket of sand and poling around in the creek, the fish, intrigued by the light, would jump into the boat.
The Houstons grew sugar cane, rice and their own vegetables. They had a sugar cane mill (oxen powered) and a "salt mine" south of their home at what is now known as Sunny Point.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 28° 7.665′ N, 80° 37.515′ W. Marker is in Melbourne , Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is on Houston Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1264 Houston Street, Melbourne FL 32934, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Breckenridge Landing (a few steps from this marker); Houston Pioneer Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Twin Oaks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hodgson Home and Drugstore (about 300 feet away); The James W. Rossetter House (about 400 feet away); Roesch House (about 400 feet away); Hodgson Brothers Store and Boatways (about 500 feet away); James Wadswsorth Rossetter House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 942 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.