Micanopy Historical Society Museum a historical property along the Florida Scenic Byway. Formerly the warehouse of the Thrasher General Store at 607 NE Cholokka Blvd in Micanopy. Micanopy became a town in 1821.
Early settlers traded with the Seminole Indians. Hernando DeSoto a Spanish explorer lived during the time of the Timucua a Native American Tribe. He led an expedition through neighboring towns. A map of his expedition exhibited. Items in the museum donated by the locals and several on loan. Stone tools used by the Timucua on display.
The Thrasher and Benjamin families’ early settlers to Micanopy owned and operated general stores. The Gainesville & Gulf Railway Co. that spurred growth came to Micanopy in the mid-1890s. Eventually the railway extended forty-eight miles.
In 1852, Doctors’ Cooper and Mathers opened a drugstore and an apothecary. Dr. James Baxter Bean, a dentist who graduated from Baltimore College of Dental Surgery opened a practice in Micanopy in 1860. During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army.
The Seminole Wars and the chiefs who led them. A history of and memorabilia from The Civil War and World War II. Florida became a state in 1845. Along the wall of the back porch hangs the Seminole Dugout Canoe from the 1700s.
A mystery novel, a book on the Third Seminole War and DeSoto’s Journey a few of the books for sale in the gift shop. Sara Karow Roess an artist’s drawings of William Bartram’s botanical drawings.
I recommend the museum because the docent was knowledgeable. Free entrance to the museum, donations accepted. Hours of operation on the website.
On The Road in Florida With Idelle! 