By Joe Marzo
When most people think of Florida’s agricultural history, they picture citrus groves, sugarcane fields, or cattle ranches. But at the turn of the 20th century, a lesser-known crop—potatoes—emerged as a vital economic force in Northeast Florida. This transformation was spearheaded by Thomas Horace Hastings, a visionary entrepreneur whose name is now immortalized in the town of Hastings, Florida. His potato empire revolutionized farming in the region and positioned Florida as a key player in early-season potato production.
A Visionary’s Journey to Florida
Thomas Horace Hastings was born in 1838 in New York and was a cousin of Henry Flagler, the oil magnate who played a major role in Florida’s development. Like many other northern investors of the time, Hastings saw an opportunity to develop Florida’s agricultural potential, particularly in St. Johns County.
In the late 19th century, Henry Flagler was rapidly expanding the Florida East Coast Railway, which connected various parts of the state and opened up vast tracts of land for agriculture, tourism, and settlement. Recognizing the potential of the rich but underutilized land in Northeast Florida, Hastings partnered with Flagler to develop a large agricultural settlement focused on growing winter vegetables, including potatoes.
Hastings originally established his farming operation to supply Flagler’s luxury hotels with fresh produce. However, he soon realized that Florida’s mild climate allowed for an early growing season, making it possible to send fresh potatoes to northern markets weeks before competitors in colder regions. This gave Florida-grown potatoes a major economic advantage and set the stage for Hastings’ agricultural empire.
The Founding of Florida’s Potato Capital
By 1890, Hastings had acquired thousands of acres of land in St. Johns County, just southwest of St. Augustine. He built the first house in the settlement and established greenhouses to cultivate early winter vegetables.
As his potato business grew, so did the surrounding community. The settlement was officially chartered as the town of Hastings in 1909. It quickly earned the title “Florida’s Potato Capital” due to its significant role in the state’s potato industry.
Hastings introduced large-scale farming techniques that were revolutionary at the time, including:
Irrigation systems to counteract unpredictable rainfall.
Crop rotation and fertilization techniques to improve soil quality and increase yields.
Rail transportation partnerships to ensure rapid shipment of potatoes to northern markets.
These innovations helped create a thriving potato industry that sustained the local economy for decades.
Economic Boom and Agricultural Expansion
During the early 1900s, the Hastings area became one of the most important agricultural hubs in Florida. The extension of the Florida East Coast Railway allowed for the efficient transportation of potatoes and other vegetables to markets across the country. Hastings’ farms supplied Jacksonville, New York, Philadelphia, and other northern cities with fresh produce well before the competition in states like Idaho and Maine.
The success of the potato industry also led to the diversification of crops. Farmers in the region began growing cabbage, carrots, and onions, further solidifying the area’s agricultural dominance. Agricultural pioneers like U.J. White, W.H. Erwin, Frank Nix, and John T. Dismukes introduced modern machinery to maximize production.
By 1917, potato prices soared due to high demand, bringing substantial wealth to local farmers. Hastings' vision had transformed the town into a bustling agricultural center, employing hundreds of laborers and supporting businesses such as packing houses, supply stores, and shipping facilities.
Challenges and Decline of the Potato Empire
Despite its early success, the Hastings potato empire faced significant challenges in the mid-20th century:
Economic downturns and the Great Depression impacted agricultural markets, reducing demand for Florida-grown potatoes.
Labor shortages during and after World War II made large-scale farming difficult.
Competition from the Midwest and Idaho increased as improved transportation and refrigeration allowed northern-grown potatoes to reach markets year-round.
Environmental factors such as hurricanes, occasional freezes, and soil depletion also took a toll on production.
As small farms struggled to keep up, many landowners sold their property or switched to alternative crops. By the 1960s and 1970s, large agribusinesses and mechanized farming had further reshaped the industry, making it difficult for independent growers to compete.
The Modern Legacy of Thomas Hastings
Although the potato industry in Hastings is no longer as dominant as it once was, the town remains proud of its agricultural heritage. Today, Hastings is still the packing and shipping center for a tri-county potato-growing area, serving St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam counties.
Each year, the town celebrates its history with the Hastings Potato & Cabbage Festival, an event that highlights the region’s farming traditions and contributions to Florida’s agricultural economy.
Conclusion
Thomas Hastings was more than just a land developer—he was a pioneer in Florida’s agricultural history. His foresight in recognizing the potential of potato farming in Florida transformed a small settlement into an agricultural powerhouse.
While his name may not be as well-known as Henry Flagler or other Florida visionaries, Hastings’ contributions remain deeply rooted in the land he cultivated. Today, the town of Hastings serves as a testament to his legacy, reminding us of a time when one man's vision helped shape the future of Florida agriculture.
Sources
University of North Florida Digital Commons – Thomas Hastings' Role in Florida Agriculture
Stories of the Historic Coast – Hastings, Florida's Potato Capital
Amazon – Hastings: Florida’s Potato Capital by Daniel L. Friend