Florida’s Fishing Ranchos: Legacy of Cuban Trade

Before the Marxist inspired revolution of 1959, trade between Cuba and the land of Florida lasted for hundreds of years. Fishermen from Cuba found the waters on Florida’s southwest coast productive and markets in Havana made trade opportunities between them profitable. By the 19th century Cuban fishing ranchos on Florida’s Gulf coast were occupied year round and they formed deep connections with other cultural groups living in the state. This exhibit is about this legacy of trade and the fishermen who formed these unique communities. The exhibit features interpretive panels and artifacts.