Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of First Houston Homestead

Photographed by Karen Cox, October 30, 2011

1. Site of First Houston Homestead Marker

Inscription. The first hickory log cabin built by John C. Houston, original settler of Eau Gallie, was erected in this area. Houston came here in 1859 with his older sons and 10 slaves. He had served in the U.S. Army during the Seminole Indian wars and had been stationed at an army fort in Enterprise.

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

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, Florida, in Brevard County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s Space Coast.

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 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.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Gen. John B. Castleman House (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Site of First Houston Homestead image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jamie Cox, October 30, 2011

2. Site of First Houston Homestead

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 1,453 times since then and 30 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.