The Wandering Disciple

A hardy symbol of Florida’s ranching roots, this Florida Cracker cattle at Crowley Museum and Nature Center represents one of the oldest cattle breeds in the United States. Descended from Spanish stock brought to the Southeast in the 1500s, these cattle adapted to Florida’s heat, insects, and rough terrain long before modern ranching practices took hold. Known for their smaller size, long horns, and remarkable resilience, Cracker cattle were managed by the original Florida cowboys, nicknamed “crackers” for the sound of their whips. Nearly lost to crossbreeding in the 20th century, the breed has since been carefully preserved, offering a living link to the state’s pioneer heritage and the enduring spirit of Old Florida.  You can see more photos from Crowley Museum here . Taken: January 10, 2009 at Crowley Museum and Nature Center (Sarasota, FL)

A boardwalks spans the swamp and takes hikers deeper into the woods at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in eastern Sarasota County. Here you can find a hike that is both historic and informative while being enjoyable and relaxing. Begin your trek on the Pine Level Trail, an old wagon trail that once connected Pine Level (ghost town near Desoto/Manatee County line) with Braidentown (present day Bradenton). Then hop aboard the 1/2 mile boardwalk through the Maple Branch Swamp before ending at the observation tower that overlooks the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh at the edge of the Myakka River.

Union troops march through the Myakka prairie as they look to advance on Confederate troops further down the trail during a Civil War reenactment at the Crowley Nature Center in eastern Sarasota County.  Each year, the Crowley Nature Center hosted the Heritage Festival featured Civil War skirmish, cowboy encounters and living history interpreters demonstrating pioneer living. (Photo: January 10, 2009)

The elevated boardwalk traverses the Sawgrass Marsh and swamps at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in eastern Sarasota County.  A hike on the boardwalk takes visitors through distinct ecosystems and allows hikers to take in the fauna and wildlife without getting their feet wet in the mud of the swamp.  (Photo: January 10, 2009)

The Tatum Sawgrass Marsh as viewed from the Selby at Crowley Museum and Nature Center. The nature center is about 200 acres in size and features hiking trails and historic buildings. (Photo: January 10, 2009)

Civil War troops march through the trails over the Crowley Nature Center in eastern Sarasota. The demonstration was part of the annual Pioneer Days celebration, a celebration of early history in the region. (Photo: January 10, 2009)

Take a walk into the wilderness at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in Eastern Sarasota County. Crowley features several trails throughout its 190 acre preserve including the highlight, a 1/2 mile boardwalk trail that extends through the Maple Branch Swamp. Hikers are rewarded with a great view of the Sawgrass Marsh from the observation tower at the end of the boardwalk. But trails aren't all that Crowley has to offer, they also have a Pioneer Village featuring a look back at life in early Sarasota. (Photo: January 10, 2009)

Sarasota, Florida: Part history museum, part nature preserve; the Crowley Museum and Nature Center have been transporting visitors back in time for over 30 years. Here you can take a glimpse into early pioneer life or take a hike deep into natural Florida. Founded in 1974 by William Jasper Crowley, the Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a 190 acre preserve that combines a pioneer village and museum with trails and wildlife. As you enter the property and head to the visitor’s center, you are right in the middle of the pioneer area. It is here you will find the museum which houses exhibits from the Crowley family and the area of Old Miakka. The are is also home to the Pioneer Cabin, Sugar Cane Mill, blacksmith shop and the Tatum House. All buildings have been relocated here and then restored to their original state and furnished with pioneer era furnishings to help tell the story of early pioneer life. From the village you can embark on a hike out to the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh at th...