What is Cracker Country?

Cracker Country, Tampa's only outdoor living history museum, is located on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. It was founded with the purpose of preserving Florida’s rural heritage and strives to document, interpret, and recreate rural pioneer Florida history and folklife during the period of 1870-1912. Its collection of 13 original buildings dating from 1870-1912 were relocated from across the state of Florida beginning in 1978 when Cracker Country was established by Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr.

What is the historical significance of Cracker Country?

Cracker Country was founded in 1978 as a setting to preserve, restore, and teach late 19^th-century Florida history. This time period was a turning point in the state's history, the rise of railroads allowing industry to expand and the exportation of goods to increase. Railroads also helped introduce Florida as a tourist destination. As the population steadily grew, pioneer families began to see the benefits of living in Florida. Not only was land cheap, but new industries were booming, such as railroads, turpentine, phosphate, cattle, and citrus. Families began to start a new life on Florida’s frontier.

What is a Cracker?

Florida’s cattle industry was the biggest in the east, shipping beef to northern states as well as to Key West, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Cattlemen, known as “Crackers," were legends. Cattle roamed free in the Florida woodlands and had to be rounded up before being sold and shipped. Lariats, or lassos, didn't work in the thick underbrush; instead, cowhunters used whips to round them up. The whips were not used to strike the cattle but were actually popped or “cracked." This resulted in a sound similar to a rifle shot which could be heard over very long distances. When early settlers heard the sound they would say, “Here come the Crackers.” Cattlemen braved Florida’s marshes, harsh weather, and wild animals on a mission to drive their cattle to port. 

The cattle industry and Cracker tradition began to subside following three significant events: the closing of the open range due to new fence laws; an increase in population sparking land development; and an industrial boom which resulted in a shift away from agriculture. Despite this, there are still many cattlemen working throughout Florida today, and the term “Cracker” is sometimes used to describe native born Floridians.

Here in the 21^st century, Cracker Country commits itself to the teaching and preservation of 19^th-century Cracker Culture in Florida, ensuring that it will not be lost to future generations.

What types of learning experiences are offered to students and children?

Teachers are encouraged to register for our Rural Home Life School Tours. This tour gives students an in-depth look at life in rural Florida in the year 1898. Students will be immersed in the historic Florida lifestyle as they participate in hands-on activities led by one historic interpreters.

Additionally, we offer Hands-on History Tours for youth organizations and small groups throughout our programming season.

Is Cracker Country engaged in educational outreach programs?

Cracker Country supports history education at home and in schools through podcasts, films, and lesson plan development.

The Electronic Field Trip program brings rural Florida life into the classroom. Each episode consists of a film that documents a particular topic in Florida’s history, plus e-learning resources that reinforce learning. This program infuses technology in the classroom, enhances student content area knowledge, and helps improve communication and literacy skills. Designed for students between first and twelfh grade, our electronic field trips meet the Florida state and national standards for learning.

More information about our Electronic Field Trips as well as other online learning resources can be found on our Education Page.

When is the best time to visit Cracker Country?

Cracker Country opens its doors for Discover the Past on select Saturdays, during our programming season running September-December, and April-May. Please click here for specific dates during the 2010-2011 season. The museum also welcomes guests every day of the  Florida State Fair, as part of the general Fair admission ticket.

What will I see when I visit?

Cracker Country is home to thirteen original buildings dating from 1870-1912 as well as six modern reconstructions of historic sites.  The buildings and sites are historically furnished with antiques from our collection and period reproductions exhibiting the lifestyles of the past.

Please click here to See the Places

Our interpreters are dressed in historical clothing, portraying the daily lives of rural Floridians and sharing their stories and experiences.

What types of activities will I see and participate in?

During  Discover the Past visitors will participate in hands-on actives such as churning butter, twisting rope, and playing with toys. Activities and programs change with the season; check our program page for updates.

The Florida State Fair offers the opportunity for our guests to interact with and learn from our crafters, listen to musical presentations, and watch community groups perform.

Is there any shopping?

Visitors can purchase period recreations, candy (such as old fashion stick candy), period toys, games, clothing, food items, and home décor at our General Store, located inside the Rainey Building.

How much does it cost to visit?

Visit the programs section of our website for an updated list of ticket prices for our public openings.

What is Cracker Country’s connection to the Florida State Fair Authority and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services?

Cracker Country is a living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is a subsidiary of the Florida State Fair Authority. The Florida State Fair Authority operates under the direction of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Agriculture Commissioner leads the Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.