Secrets of Santa Rosa Archeology & History in Your Own Backyard

The Arcadia Mill complex in Milton was Florida’s largest antebellum industrial complex.

“Secrets of Santa Rosa Archeology & History in Your Own Backyard” is a lecture series exploring the history and lasting impact of The Arcadia Mill Site.

The mill site represents Florida’s first and largest Early American water-powered industrial complex. During its 38-year operation (1817 to 1855) the various mills, shops, mule-drawn railroad and sixteen-mile log flume played a pivotal role in the political and economic development of northwest Florida.

This site was the location of a multi-faceted operation that included a water-powered saw mill, a lumber mill with planning and lathing machines, gristmill, bucket and pail factory, shingle mill, cotton textile mill, and even an experimental silk cultivation operation.

The Arcadia Mill site is a popular field trip spot for Santa Rosa and Escambia county students, and draws history buffs from around the region who are interested in the antebellum site.

An estimated 4000 visitors a year come through the museum, and many more explore the boardwalks and outdoor areas of the mill site, Sams said.

The lecture series will explore the role the site played in the formative years of Santa Rosa County, the area’s ties to shipbuilding, the nearby Scott Site where many of the area’s bricks were manufactured, and the diverse population that worked together not only at the Arcadia site but to build the community.

Lectures will be held Oct. 1, 8, 22 and 29 from 11 a.m. to noon.

After the lectures, guided tours will be available, or visitors can explore on their own.

For more information, visit www.flpublicarchaeology.org.