Memories of Gadsden County

Step back in time by CLICKING on the link "INDIVIDUAL MEMORIES"

Here you can read first hand accounts of special memories of Gadsden County.

A rich Native American culture flourished in Florida prior to it becoming a territory of the United States in 1821. During the late 1820's, settlers began migrating to north Florida bringing a new way of life. Families, mostly of English, Irish and Scottish descent developed small farms to plantations. Currently, 32% of the county is White. 

Large planters from Virginia and the Carolina's developed plantations in the 1820's and 30's. and forced the migration of African Americans through slavery. The African American culture has helped to shape the Gadsden County we know it today. Since 1830, Gadsden County has continuously held the status as the only Florida County with a majority African American population - from 1823 to 1861 as slaves, from 1862 until present day as free men and women.  Currently, 55% of the county is Black.

Gadsden County is also home to a large Hispanic culture. Beginning in the 1970's, an agriculture change from tobacco to vegetable cultivation brought with it an efficient labor force. Hispanic migrant workers began making Gadsden County their home, and currently 10% of the county is Hispanic.    

With each passing year our citizens’ lives have changed and adapted. Whether political upheaval, transportation innovations, effects of war, or economic depressions or growth, people’s lives were affected. Our race and ethnicity differences make us a rich culturally diverse county.  

With diverse population, comes diverse lifestyles and cultures. Stories of home life, work, living conditions, and interaction with others need to be shared.

Since Gadsden County was mostly a rural county, many areas did not receive electricity until the 1940's. Up until this time there were no electric lights, no electric machinery, no electric refrigeration, no running water, no air conditioning. Life was different. 

Everyone has a story, a memory, a family member or person that made an impact on their lives. Please help us document and record our Gadsden County citizens. We do not want these stories lost, but want to preserve them for future generations. They too, one day, will be history.

• Give us the name of a group or individual that you think should be interviewed.

• Help gather a group of individuals together for a group discussion. 

• Submit a written or videoed story.

• Would you like to be interviewed?

We are open to ALL ideas! Drop us a line below and let's get started!