Rosewood Historic Marker
Cedar Key, FL 32625
Photos
Location & Phone number
About the Business
Rosewood Historic Marker
Located in Cedar Key, Florida, the Rosewood Historic Marker stands as a solemn tribute to the once-thriving community of Rosewood and the tragic events that unfolded there in January 1923. Established around 1855, Rosewood was a vibrant settlement in Levy County, flourishing due to its strategic location on a road leading to the Gulf of Mexico and the presence of abundant red cedar trees. The community thrived with the establishment of a Florida Railroad depot, facilitating the transport of cedar wood to a pencil factory in Cedar Key, along with timber, turpentine rosin, citrus, vegetables, and cotton.
However, the prosperity of Rosewood was shattered in 1923 when a tragic and violent racial attack led to the massacre of its Black residents and the destruction of the town. Sparked by a false accusation from a white woman in nearby Sumner, a mob descended on Rosewood, leaving devastation in its wake. The massacre resulted in the loss of lives and the displacement of the Black community, whose members fled to safety, many never to return.
Despite the horrific event, justice was not served. A special grand jury found no evidence to indict those responsible for the violence. The survivors and their descendants faced the loss of their homes and land, with many choosing to remain silent about the tragedy for decades.
In 1994, the state of Florida recognized the injustice by passing the Rosewood Claim Bill, which provided financial compensation to survivors and descendants. The story of Rosewood reached a wider audience through John Singleton's 1997 film, "Rosewood."
Today, the Rosewood Historic Marker serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in history. Erected in 2004 near the former home of John Wright, a white resident who offered refuge to Black families during the massacre, the marker is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who endured. The Real Rosewood Foundation, Inc., established in 2003 by Lizzie Polly Robinson Jenkins, continues to preserve and educate the public about Rosewood’s history, ensuring that the legacy of the victims, survivors, and descendants is never forgotten.
Visit the Rosewood Historic Marker to pay homage to a community that, despite facing unimaginable adversity, remains an enduring symbol of strength and the importance of remembering history.
Reviews
"Wow, is all I can say. How extremely tragic and gut wrenching to know human beings just like you and I endured such suffering. What I would GIVE to erase ALL inequality and injustice. My only concern with this site is that people leave momentos. It's nice to pay respects but unfortunately those things end up in nature and become trash blowing around. I believe it would be nice to say your peace. Touch the memorial. Leave a spiritual message. That way we're not polluting. Throw some wild flower seeds. Enjoy this historic marker with your heart and soul."
"It was very educational. We also had a chance to meet with a decendant of one of the survivers of the massacre that took place there. Lizzy Robinson Jenkins."
"To stand at the place where our ancestors thrived felt breathtaking, heart felt with the pain you can feel still in the air, proud of the success our people had there prior to the devasting events that happened. A place to visit"
"5 stars only because it is there. This place hurts my feelings. It should be bigger. There should be more than just a marker. This is a very sad and maddening part of our Florida history that should be known more widely. Former governor Chiles tried to help ease the pain, but nothing can ever change what happened to these beautiful people. Go. Pay your respects."
People Also Viewed
-
Alys Beach9581 E County Hwy 30A, Alys Beach, FL 32461, United States
-
The Captain's House4138 Pine Dale Ct, Hernando Beach, FL 34607, United States
-
Hot Dogs at Storybook CircusBay Lake, FL 32836, United States
-
join the fun146 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32176, United States
-
Undercover Tourist265 Clyde Morris Blvd Suite 200, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, United States
-
Glass Bottom Boat Tours at Silver Springs5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, United States
-
Walt Disney World® ResortFlorida, United States
-
Blue Spring State ParkFlorida, United States
-
Alys Beach Vacation Rentals60 McGee Drive, Alys Beach, FL 32461, United States
-
Marine Science Center100 Lighthouse Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127, United States
-
Dreams Unlimited Travel6550 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States
-
Archaeopteryx Birding and Nature Tours1309 Oak Valley Blvd, Minneola, FL 34715, United States
-
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Amelia Island, FL 32034, United States
-
Iggy's Grill and Bar104 Bartram Oaks Walk #101, Fruit Cove, FL 32259, United States
-
Collins Vacation Rentals, Inc.60 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328, United States
-
Coastal Joe Vacation Rentals4288 Cape San Blas Rd #4403, Cape San Blas, FL 32456, United States
-
Sunset Cottage356 Patton St, St George Island, FL 32328, United States
-
Rv country retreat 2706 sapp road Cottondale fl 324312706 Sapp Rd, Cottondale, FL 32431, United States
-
Resort Vacation Properties of St. George Island by Vacasa61 Gulf Beach Dr W, St George Island, FL 32328, United States
-
Forgotten Shores Properties249 US-98, Eastpoint, FL 32328, United States
-
Sea Ya Later255 Cape San Blas Rd, Cape San Blas, FL 32456, United States
People also searched for
- Travel Agency
- Abandoned Town
- African American Community
- Black Residents
- Cedar Key Florida
- Cedar Key Tourism
- Civil War Era
- Community Memorialization
- Courage
- Educational Programs
- Equality Rights
- False Accusation
- Florida Railroad Depot
- Gulf Of Mexico
- Historic Marker
- Historical Injustice
- Historical Monument
- Historical Preservation
- History Education
- John Wright Refuge
- Land Ownership
- Lizzie Polly Robinson Jenkins Foundation
- Race Massacre
- Racial Discrimination
- Racial Healing
- Red Cedar Trees
- Remembrance
- Resilience
- Rosewood Claim Bill
- Rosewood Historic Marker
- Social Justice
- White Mob Violence
List of local businesses, places and services in Florida
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎ phones 🕒 opening times ✍️reviews 🌍 addresses, locations 📷 photos