Agricultural History

The citrus industry has played an integral role in Florida’s development, and it was crucial to the Field family’s homesteading success on Merritt Island.

Out of the many crops planted by the Field family, citrus thrived in the temperate climate and rich soil. It was harvested and shipped north by flat boat and train. The entire Indian River region became famous for its highly demanded citrus. And today, with the citrus industry all but gone on the Indian River, Field Manor is working with organizations to introduce fruit bearing trees better suited to this portion of Florida and for consumption.

The family’s sugar cane patch was another highly profitable commodity. In one year alone it produced over 800 gallons of cane--sold at 50 cents/gallon. The cane still grows on the homestead, but the family’s mill is long gone. As farm restoration progresses, the old mill will be rebuilt.