Gator Hunters, Moonshiners & Skiffers: Florida History and Culture

Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers (Florida History and Culture)

by Glen Simmons

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6365 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

FREE

Florida, the Sunshine State, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and year-round sunshine. However, beyond the glamorous façade lies a rich and captivating history and culture that often goes unnoticed.

In "Gator Hunters, Moonshiners & Skiffers: Florida History and Culture," renowned author and historian Dr. James R. McGovern takes readers on an enthralling journey into the hidden corners of Florida's past and present. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, McGovern unveils the fascinating and often lesser-known tales of the state's gator hunters, moonshiners, and skiffers.

Gator Hunters: Masters of the Everglades

The immense Everglades, a vast labyrinth of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and cypress swamps, has long been the domain of gator hunters.

In the early days of Florida's settlement, Native American tribes, particularly the Seminole Indians, hunted alligators for their meat, hides, and oil. As European settlers arrived, they too joined the hunt, driven by the lucrative demand for alligator skins in the fashion industry.

Gator hunters in the Everglades, early 20th century

Gator hunting became a dangerous and demanding profession, requiring skilled marksmanship, knowledge of the Everglades ecosystem, and an unwavering determination. Hunters would navigate the treacherous waters in flat-bottomed boats, using harpoons, rifles, and bows and arrows to subdue their prey.

Moonshiners: Defying Prohibition

During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s, Florida became a haven for moonshiners, who illegally produced and sold alcohol. The state's dense forests and extensive coastline provided ample hiding places for moonshine stills.

From the swamps of North Florida to the citrus groves of Central Florida, moonshiners operated clandestine stills, producing moonshine, a potent corn whiskey, using a variety of ingenious methods.

Moonshiners in Florida, circa 1930

Moonshining was a risky business, with law enforcement constantly on the lookout for stills and bootleggers. Moonshiners often resorted to violence to protect their operations, and shootouts with the police were not uncommon.

Skiffers: Masters of the Waters

Florida's extensive coastline and vast inland waterways have fostered a long tradition of skiffing, a specialized form of fishing that uses small, flat-bottomed boats.

Skiffers, known for their exceptional boat-handling skills and knowledge of the local waters, play a vital role in the state's fishing industry. They navigate narrow channels, shallow flats, and coastal waters, using a variety of techniques to catch fish, including casting nets, rod and reel fishing, and spearfishing.

Skiffers in Florida, late 19th century

Skiffing is not just a profession but a way of life for many Floridians. Skiffers have their own unique culture, language, and traditions, passed down through generations.

Free Download your copy of "Gator Hunters, Moonshiners & Skiffers: Florida History and Culture" today and immerse yourself in the fascinating and often forgotten stories of Florida's past and present.

Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers (Florida History and Culture)

by Glen Simmons

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6365 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

FREE