turpentine industry

The Dark History of Bulow Plantation Ruins: Exploring One of Florida’s Most Haunting Historic Sites

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Interpretive exhibit panels at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park explaining the history of Bulowville, the plantation, and early Florida settlement.

Some places are beautiful because of nature. Others are beautiful because of history. And then there are places like Bulow Plantation Ruins—where the beauty exists despite the painful history beneath it. When Dusty and I finished our Volusia County Bingo Passport adventure, we decided to squeeze in one last stop before heading home. Bulow Plantation … Read more

We Found a 150-Year-Old Ghost Town Hidden in a Florida Wilderness

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Weathered entrance sign for Ethel Cemetery, established in 1880, standing beside a grassy field within Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Florida.

Some Places Refuse to Be Forgotten Most people visit Rock Springs Run State Reserve for the hiking trails, wildlife, and beautiful Florida wilderness. We came looking for a ghost town. Hidden beneath towering pines and miles of sandy trails lies the forgotten community of Ethel, Florida. Once home to pioneering families, a railroad stop, a … Read more