Credits to Explore With Bo
Cracker Country is a living history museum located on the grounds of the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. The museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Florida’s rural pioneers and showcasing what life was like in the state in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore several historic buildings, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the daily lives of the state’s early settlers.
History of Cracker Country
Cracker Country was founded in 1978 by the Florida State Fair Authority and the Hillsborough County Historical Commission. The museum was established to provide visitors with a glimpse into what life was like in Florida during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the state was undergoing rapid growth and development.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name “Cracker Country” comes from the term “Cracker,” which was used to describe Florida’s early settlers who worked on cattle ranches and used whips to herd cattle. The term “Cracker” referred to the sound of the whip cracking, and over time, it became associated with Florida’s rural pioneers. The name “Cracker Country” was chosen to honor these early settlers and their contributions to Florida’s history.
About the Museum
The museum is set up as a small town, with several historic buildings that have been moved to the site from around the state. The buildings include a general store, a schoolhouse, a church, a blacksmith shop, a turpentine still, and several homes. The buildings are staffed by volunteers dressed in period clothing, who demonstrate traditional skills and crafts and answer visitors’ questions about life in rural Florida.
Exhibits and Activities
Cracker Country offers several hands-on activities and exhibits that give visitors a chance to experience what life was like for Florida’s early settlers. Some of the activities and exhibits include:
• Cane syrup making: Visitors can watch as volunteers use an antique cane mill to extract juice from sugar cane and then boil it down to make cane syrup, a traditional Florida sweetener.
• Turpentine still: Visitors can learn about the history of the turpentine industry in Florida and watch as volunteers demonstrate how pine resin was extracted and distilled to produce turpentine, a key ingredient in many products, including paint and varnish.
• Blacksmithing: Visitors can watch as a blacksmith demonstrates traditional forging techniques and makes items such as horseshoes and nails.
• Schoolhouse: Visitors can experience what it was like to attend school in a one-room schoolhouse, complete with desks, a chalkboard, and a teacher dressed in period clothing.
• General store: Visitors can browse the shelves of a traditional general store and learn about the types of goods that were available to Florida’s early settlers.
• Living history demonstrations: Throughout the day, volunteers dressed in period clothing perform living history demonstrations, including butter churning, rope making, and basket weaving.
Visiting Cracker Country
Cracker Country is open to the public during select dates and times throughout the year, usually in conjunction with the Florida State Fair or other special events. Admission to the museum is included with admission to the fair, and visitors can purchase tickets online or at the gate.
The museum is accessible by car and is located on the grounds of the Florida State Fairgrounds, which is just east of downtown Tampa. Parking is available on site, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and spending time outdoors.
Bring The Family!
Cracker Country is a great place for families with small children to visit. The museum offers several hands-on activities and exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for young visitors. Here are some reasons why families with small kids should consider visiting Cracker Country:
- Educational opportunities
Cracker Country provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn about Florida’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibits and activities at the museum are designed to teach children about traditional skills and crafts, such as blacksmithing, cane syrup making, and turpentine distilling. Children can also learn about the history of the state and its early settlers by exploring the historic buildings and talking to the volunteers dressed in period clothing. - Interactive exhibits
Many of the exhibits and activities at Cracker Country are interactive, which is great for young children who learn best by doing. For example, children can participate in butter churning, rope making, and basket weaving demonstrations, as well as learn about traditional farm tools and equipment. Children can also explore a one-room schoolhouse, complete with desks, a chalkboard, and a teacher dressed in period clothing. - Hands-on activities
Cracker Country offers several hands-on activities that are both fun and educational for children. For example, children can participate in the cane syrup making process, from grinding the sugar cane to boiling it down into syrup. They can also watch as a blacksmith demonstrates traditional forging techniques and makes items such as horseshoes and nails. Children can even try their hand at some of the activities, under the supervision of the volunteers. - Family-friendly environment
Cracker Country is a safe and family-friendly environment that is well-suited for children of all ages. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer questions and provide guidance to young visitors. The museum is also wheelchair accessible, making it easy for families with strollers or mobility issues to get around. - Affordable admission
Cracker Country is an affordable destination for families with small children. Admission to the museum is included with admission to the Florida State Fair or other special events, and children under 5 are typically admitted for free. The museum also offers discounts for seniors, military personnel, and students, making it a great value for families on a budget.
Cracker Country is a great place for families with small children to visit. With its educational exhibits, interactive activities, and family-friendly environment, the museum offers a fun and informative way to learn about Florida’s rich cultural heritage. It provides visitors with a glimpse into what life was like for Florida’s rural pioneers.
So why not plan a visit and step back in time to the early days of Florida’s history?
