Historical site tours in Homestead, Florida

Walter Jones Historic Park is a charming destination located at 11964 Mandarin Road in Jacksonville, Florida. This park, which was once the homestead of Major William Webb in the late 1800s, offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history and agricultural past. The park features historical structures such as the 1875 Webb Farmhouse, the 1876 barn, the Losco Winery, and the Wheeler Sawmill, all of which have been meticulously restored. Operated by the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, the park also houses the Mandarin Museum and the St. Joseph's Mission Schoolhouse for African-American Children, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's heritage. Visitors can explore the museum buildings, take a stroll along the riverfront boardwalk nature trail, enjoy a picnic in the designated area, and even take a guided tour of the historic buildings.

HM69 Nike Missile Base, located on Research Road in Homestead, Florida, is a unique tourist attraction within the Everglades National Park. This historic site, also known as "Alpha Battery," is one of the best-preserved relics of the Cold War era in Florida. Constructed in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the base was established to protect against a possible air attack from the south following the Cuban Missile Crisis. Listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior Register of Historic Places, HM69 features three missile barns, a missile assembly building, a guard dog kennel, barracks, two Nike Hercules missiles, and various support elements. Approximately 140 soldiers were stationed at the base to defend against potential threats from Cuba.