Region:
Northeast
YULEE SUGAR MILL RUINS HISTORIC STATE PARK
Homosassa, Florida
Contact Information
12157 Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville, 32226
(904) 251-2324
Driving Directions
The park is located in the small town of Homosassa,
which is located about 3 miles west of the city
of Homosassa Springs. Take U.S. Hwy 19 (northbound
or southbound) to the town of Homosassa Springs,
then turn west onto C.R. 490 West (Yulee Drive).
Proceed for approxiamately 2.5 miles to the park.
There are brown and white highway signs that will
lead you to the park. The Ruins of the Mill are
situated within five feet of the road and should
be easily seen.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Park Fees
There is no entrance fee for this park.
The most imposing feature of the plantation, was the sugar mill,
located near the Homosassa River. The mill operated for 13 years,
producing sugar, syrup and molasses. (Molasses was used to make
rum.) The mill was abandoned during the Civil War and Yulee's plantation
home, located down the river, was burned. The plantation and mill
never recovered from the war.
During a visit to this small park you will see
the ruins of this once prosperous mill. Still standing
are the steam boiler, crushing machinery, and large
cooking kettles (all shipped to Florida from New
York) used to process the sugar cane. Also remaining
are the stonework chimney, well and foundation all
quarried and constructed by the slaves.
A small oval pathway leads visitors around the
ruins to interpretive plaques that explain how the
system worked.
Park Activities
Picnicking
Picnicking
Across the street from the ruins is the park's picnic
area. A six table pavilion is available to groups
on a first-come-first-serve basis. Grills and picnic
tables are also scattered throughout the picnic
area. Restrooms are available. There are no fees
charged to visit the park.
|