The Forgotten History of Crum-Durrance Cemetery in Polk County, Florida

Weathered gravestones at Crum-Durrance Cemetery beneath Spanish moss and storm clouds in Polk County, Florida.

Some historic places announce themselves. They have signs along the highway, parking lots, interpretive markers, and plaques explaining exactly why you should stop. Others are much quieter. Sometimes you glimpse a few old headstones through the trees as you drive past and think— Wait. Was that a cemetery? That’s exactly how Dusty and I discovered … Read more

Dampier Cemetery: A Forgotten Story Beneath the Oaks

Historic Dampier Cemetery in Inverness, Florida beneath a large live oak tree draped in Spanish moss, with scattered pioneer gravestones in a quiet rural setting.

There are places you plan to visit… And then there are places that find you. I wasn’t looking for a cemetery that day. I was just trying to get my truck aligned—prepping for an upcoming road trip, mind already miles down the road. But while I waited, something across the street caught my attention. A … Read more