Back in September the week after Hurricane Helene passed through we took a short Adventure Friday to a nearby landmark, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. While it did give us an opportunity to discuss important historical issues, we were a little disappointed.
While the park itself is on several acres, most of it is unusable or traversable Florida "juggle" so to speak. There is a small parking section next to a pavilion for picnics, but nothing else. You then have to cross a busy road with poor sight for cars to get to the actual ruins. It is really a terrible spot for a crossing, as it sits between two curves, and the traffic was really flying down the road. Furthermore the site is in great disrepair. One would think something would be done to preserve the integrity of the historic site that remains, but it was a little more than stone ruins and some very faded signs. I suppose I have spoiled the kids and myself with well kept and preserved historical sights, and plenty of trails for exploring, but this site itself was a let down.
Yulee Sugar Mill is an important historical landmark for a few reasons. First it is a pre-Civil War era sugar mill, and it is an example of 19 century technology and machinery. It gave the kids, through the use of signage to explain the part they could see in the ruins, and those parts that are missing today, and idea of how sugar is made. This process took many steps over many days and gave them a new appreciation for how precious sugar was in those days, and how much less of it was consumed as a result. That led to some interesting conversations about the foods we eat today, and how many things are over manufactured and are not actually healthy for us today. It also tied nicely into our science for this year. As we are exploring physical science. When discussing steam engines and heat transfer machines back in October, it gave them a point of reference. Finally, it also gave them an appreciate for the work that is involved in the task. Again this ties into both science as we have talked about measuring force and work, as well as practical ties as they don't have near the physical labor involved with daily life today, that they had nearly 200 years ago.
Secondly, the Yulee Sugar Mill is a piece of Antebellum and Civil War History. You cannot tell the story of how the mill worked and the manufacture of sugar without telling the story of slaves who both grew great amounts of sugar cane in Florida at this time, but who worked the mill. We talked a great deal about slavery and not having the right to take breaks or do other work because they were property of someone else. Some of the signs showed women working vats of the hot liquid as it was cooked down, with small children, toddlers really playing among the vats. It is easy to imagine that some children would have been injured over the course of time. It gave the kids a new insight into another facet of slavery and again brought home the point of the stark difference between the South of 200 years ago.
Throughout the Civil War and the Union blockade, soldiers sought to find the Yulee Sugar mill. It was never located. I was able to pull up a map of the area and show the kids just how many inlets and islands and waterways there are throughout this region of the coast of Florida. They could see the challenge facing the Union troops, unfamiliar with the area, only knowing that their was a sugar mill in the area that was not only supply Southern troops but were engaging as "rum runners" passing the blockade and helping to fund the Southern war effort.
So is it worth the trip. It is an important piece of history and science that would be beneficial to your students. However, to get the most out of the sight you would need to do some reading and studying ahead of time in order to present the material to your children. This isn't much of a learn together type field trip. I would say it is worth swinging by if you are already in the area, and there are a number of other Florida State Parks and State Forest nearby. However, I doubt I would plan a trip just to see it. We spent 45 minutes driving here and another driving back for a less than 20 minute lesson around the actual ruins.
If you'd like to make a trip the address to the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is State Road 490, Homosassa, Florida. The park is open from 8 to sunset all year long. Entrance to the Park is free. Of course, you can always call for more information at 352-795-3817.
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