By Joe Marzo
Jake Summerlin: The Cowboy Who Shaped Florida
In the pantheon of Florida’s historic figures, Jake Summerlin stands out as a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a pivotal force in the state’s development. Known as Florida’s “Cattle King,” his life spanned a transformative era in the state’s history, from its early frontier days to its recovery after the Civil War. Summerlin’s influence went beyond ranching—his leadership and philanthropy shaped Florida’s economy, education, and infrastructure. Yet, it was his cunning during the Civil War that solidified his legacy.
Early Life on the Florida Frontier
Jacob Summerlin was born in 1820 in Alachua County, a wild and untamed frontier where survival required ingenuity and grit. His father was a cattleman, and young Jake grew up herding “Cracker” cattle, descendants of Spanish stock brought to Florida centuries earlier.
By the time he was a teenager, Summerlin had begun to build his own herds, displaying a natural talent for managing livestock and navigating Florida’s challenging terrain.
By his twenties, Summerlin had amassed thousands of head of cattle. He became known for his expertise in driving cattle through Florida’s wilderness to reach markets, a skill that would later prove invaluable during the Civil War.
The Civil War and the Rise of a Cattle Empire
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Florida’s remote location and sparse population kept it largely insulated from the fighting. However, the state played a crucial role as a supplier of beef to the Confederate Army. Florida’s “Cracker” cattle, tough and resilient, were in high demand to feed soldiers across the South.
Jake Summerlin quickly emerged as a key figure in this effort. By the start of the war, he was already one of Florida’s largest cattle owners. His ability to organize massive cattle drives to supply Confederate troops made him indispensable to the Southern war effort. Summerlin’s operations were based in Central and South Florida, areas rich in grazing land but fraught with challenges, including swamps, disease, and the threat of raids by Union forces and deserters.
Despite his loyalty to the Confederate cause, Summerlin remained a businessman at heart. As the war dragged on and Confederate currency depreciated, he began accepting payment in gold and foreign currency, particularly from Cuban merchants who purchased Florida cattle. Summerlin’s willingness to trade with multiple parties, including Union agents when necessary, ensured his financial survival and eventual prosperity.
One of Summerlin’s most significant contributions was his ability to keep cattle moving despite the war’s chaos. His cowboys, armed with whips and grit, drove herds across hundreds of miles to depots like Punta Rassa, where the cattle were shipped to Cuba or Confederate supply lines. These efforts not only fed the Confederacy but also kept Florida’s cattle industry alive during a time of great upheaval.
Post-War Prosperity and Philanthropy
When the Confederacy collapsed in 1865, much of the South was left in ruins, but Jake Summerlin emerged wealthier than ever. His foresight in accepting gold and foreign currency insulated him from the financial devastation that followed the war. Summerlin used his newfound wealth to expand his operations, purchasing more land and cattle and solidifying his dominance in Florida’s ranching industry.
However, Summerlin’s impact went beyond ranching. A deeply charitable man, he donated generously to schools and churches, recognizing the need to rebuild Florida’s communities after the war. In 1871, he played a pivotal role in relocating the state capital from Tallahassee to Orlando, demonstrating his vision for a more connected and prosperous Florida.
Summerlin’s contributions to education were particularly notable. He funded the establishment of schools for underprivileged children, believing that education was the key to Florida’s future. His philanthropy earned him widespread respect and cemented his reputation as not just a cattle baron but a community leader.
Legacy of a Florida Pioneer
Jake Summerlin died in 1893, but his legacy lives on in Florida’s ranching traditions and its economic history. He is remembered as a man who embodied the resilience and adaptability of Florida’s early settlers. His success during the Civil War, achieved through a mix of loyalty, pragmatism, and entrepreneurial spirit, set the stage for Florida’s rise as a cattle powerhouse.
Today, Florida remains one of the top cattle-producing states in the country, a testament to the foundations laid by pioneers like Summerlin. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, determination and innovation can lead to greatness.
Jake Summerlin was more than a cowboy—he was a visionary who saw the potential in Florida’s wild landscapes and turned it into a thriving empire. His life, shaped by the trials of the frontier and the Civil War, is a chapter of Florida history that continues to inspire.
A Man of Vision and Controversy
Jake Summerlin’s ability to navigate the complexities of wartime economics and the post-war recovery showcased his vision and adaptability. Yet, his pragmatic approach to business occasionally placed him at odds with those who viewed his dealings during the Civil War as opportunistic. Summerlin’s decision to trade cattle with Cuban merchants and, at times, Union agents, sparked criticism among Confederate loyalists. However, it was precisely this pragmatism that ensured his survival and prosperity when many others lost everything.
Summerlin was acutely aware of the fragility of the Confederate economy, and his insistence on payment in gold or foreign currency demonstrated a shrewd understanding of economic realities. While others blindly tied their fortunes to Confederate scrip, which became worthless after the war, Summerlin ensured his wealth remained intact. This foresight not only benefited him but also allowed him to reinvest in Florida’s recovery, helping to stabilize the local economy in the difficult years following the war.
The Cattle Drives That Shaped Florida
The logistical challenges of moving cattle through Florida’s untamed interior were monumental. Summerlin’s cowboys had to navigate vast prairies, thick pine forests, and swamps teeming with alligators and mosquitoes. Armed with little more than bullwhips, these cowboys—known as “Crackers” for the sound of their whips—relied on Summerlin’s leadership to organize and execute drives involving thousands of head of cattle.
The drives often led to Punta Rassa, near modern-day Fort Myers, which became a critical port for shipping cattle to Cuba. Summerlin’s efforts were instrumental in establishing Punta Rassa as a hub of commerce. The town’s importance grew during the war and continued into the post-war years, laying the groundwork for Florida’s role as a cattle exporter.
Through these drives, Summerlin not only enriched himself but also contributed to the development of Florida’s transportation networks. Trails blazed by his cowboys became the foundations of future roadways, and the trade routes he established connected remote regions of the state to the broader economy.
The Later Years: Statesmanship and Philanthropy
As Summerlin’s wealth grew, so did his influence. He became a prominent figure in Florida’s political and social circles, leveraging his resources to advocate for the state’s development. His involvement in relocating the state capital to Orlando in the early 1870s reflected his vision for a more accessible and centralized government, one that could better serve Florida’s growing population.
Summerlin’s philanthropy extended to education and religion. He funded schools for impoverished children and contributed to the construction of churches, recognizing the importance of community institutions in rebuilding Florida’s war-torn society. His generosity earned him a reputation as a benefactor who cared deeply for the future of his state.
Despite his wealth, Summerlin remained deeply connected to his roots. He was often described as humble and approachable, a man who never lost sight of his beginnings as a frontier cattleman. His ability to bridge the gap between the rough-and-tumble world of ranching and the more refined demands of leadership made him a uniquely influential figure in Florida’s history.
A Lasting Legacy
Jake Summerlin’s impact on Florida is immeasurable. His contributions to the state’s cattle industry laid the groundwork for its status as a leading producer of beef, while his philanthropic efforts helped rebuild communities and fostered the development of critical institutions. Today, his name is synonymous with Florida’s ranching heritage, and his story serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the state’s early pioneers.
Summerlin’s life, defined by his successes during the Civil War and his contributions to Florida’s post-war recovery, remains a cornerstone of the state’s history. He was not just a man of his time but a visionary who shaped the future of Florida, proving that even in the most challenging circumstances, determination and adaptability can create lasting change.
Sources
Mahon, John K.History of the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842. University Press of Florida, 1967.
This book provides context on Florida’s frontier life and the challenges faced by early settlers like Summerlin.
Snyder, John F.Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida History. Pineapple Press, 1998.
Explores the history of Florida’s Cracker culture, including the cattle industry and its pioneers.
Tebeau, Charlton W.A History of Florida. University Press of Florida, 1980.
A comprehensive history of Florida, including its role in the Civil War and the cattle trade.
Brown, Canter Jr.Florida’s Peace River Frontier. University of Central Florida Press, 1991.
Discusses the development of South Florida, including Punta Rassa and the cattle trade.
Knetsch, Joe.Florida’s Civil War Years: Chronicles of Florida’s Cattlemen in the Confederate War Effort. Arcadia Publishing, 2014.
Offers detailed insights into the role of Florida cattlemen like Jake Summerlin during the Civil War.
Florida Memory Project."Jake Summerlin: Florida’s First Cattle King."FloridaMemory.com
Provides primary documents and historical accounts of Jake Summerlin’s life and contributions.
Punta Rassa Historical Society."The Cattle Trade and Jake Summerlin’s Legacy."PuntaRassaHistory.org
Focuses on Punta Rassa’s history as a shipping hub and Summerlin’s role in its development.
National Park Service."Florida in the Civil War."NPS.gov
Contextualizes Florida’s strategic role during the Civil War, including the importance of cattle.
Florida Historical Society."Profiles in Florida History: Jacob Summerlin."MyFloridaHistory.org
Highlights Summerlin’s contributions to Florida’s economy and society during and after the Civil War.
Florida Cattlemen’s Association."The History of Florida Ranching."FLCattlemen.org
Provides a historical overview of Florida’s cattle industry and key figures like Jake Summerlin.
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