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Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site

Discover Florida's industrial past at Arcadia Mill, a historic archaeological site with trails, museum exhibits, and natural beauty.

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Explore the remains of Florida's first large-scale industrial complex at Arcadia Mill, a water-powered site that operated from the early to mid-1800s. Discover the history of sawmills, textile production, and a diverse community through archaeological remains, museum exhibits, and scenic trails in a tranquil, forested setting.

A brief summary to Arcadia Mill

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and boardwalk.
  • Visit on a Friday or Saturday when the visitor center and museum are open.
  • Check the Historic Pensacola website for special events and tour schedules.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shaded picnic area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Arcadia Mill is located at 5709 Mill Pond Lane, Milton, FL 32583. From downtown Milton, take US-90 W for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Anna Simpson Road and continue for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Mill Pond Lane, follow the road around a sharp curve and down the hill to Arcadia's cul-de-sac. Limited parking is available on-site, including grass parking along Mill Pond Lane and paved parking in the cul-de-sac. Please do not block the cul-de-sac or gravel driveway entrances. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Arcadia Mill is limited, you can take a bus to Milton and then use a rideshare service. From the nearest major bus terminal in Milton, services like Uber or Lyft can take you to Arcadia Mill for an estimated cost of $10-$20, depending on the distance and demand.

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Discover more about Arcadia Mill

Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, located in Milton, Florida, offers a unique glimpse into Florida's early industrial past. From 1817 to 1855, this site was a bustling water-powered industrial complex, the largest of its kind in the state. The complex included sawmills, a grist mill, a shingle mill, a cotton textile mill, and even an experimental silk cocoonery. A mule-drawn railroad and a sixteen-mile-long log flume facilitated transportation. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains of the mill, including the dam and millpond, via an elevated boardwalk that winds through the site. The visitor center and museum feature exhibits detailing the history of Arcadia Mill and the lives of those who worked and lived there, including enslaved African Americans, Anglo-American laborers, and the management class. The site also played a role during the Civil War, experiencing skirmishes between Union and Confederate troops. Today, Arcadia Mill is a 42-acre site managed by the West Florida Historic Preservation, a part of the University of West Florida. It serves as an educational facility, promoting community engagement, critical thinking, and historical understanding. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, guided tours, and a picnic area, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of this significant archaeological site.

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