Carlton House

The Carlton House was built in 1885 by Albert and Martha (McEwen) Carlton. Originally located in Hardee County, just four miles west of Wauchula, the house functioned as home to the Carltons and their ten children. Their eighth child, Doyle E. Carlton, grew up to become Florida’s 25th governor from 1929-1933. The Carlton family also raised other Florida leaders: Doyle E. Carlton, Jr. worked in the Florida Senate and became Chairman of the Florida State Fair. T. Mabry Carlton donated the Carlton House to help found Cracker Country in 1978.

The Carlton House is decorated with items and furniture that would have been standard in homes of the period. Stop in and visit with one of Cracker Country’s historical interpreters to hear stories of the past, and see how living in a typical home may have been during this time period.

Above is a photograph of Ms. Ella's bedroom. Ella was the first born child and the only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Carlton. This room is located on the second floor and is not visible to the public.

Above is a photograph of the boys bedroom. This bedroom was used by all of the nine sons of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Carlton. This room is located on the second floor and is not visible to the public.

Built 1885, moved to Cracker Country in 1978, first Florida State Fair 1979.