Perry’s history is a testament to the pioneering spirit that shaped much of North Florida. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples who thrived on the region’s abundant natural resources, the area that would become Perry saw significant changes with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century.
The town was officially established in 1875, named after Florida’s fourth governor, Madison Starke Perry, who served from 1857 to 1861. Initially, Perry developed as a small agricultural community where farming families carved out a living from the pine forests and fertile soil of Taylor County.
Perry’s transformation into a significant regional center came with the arrival of the railroad and the subsequent timber boom of the early 20th century. The Burton-Swartz Cypress Company established one of the largest cypress mills in the United States here, turning Perry into a bustling lumber town almost overnight. Historic photographs from this era show massive cypress logs stacked higher than buildings, a testament to both the scale of the operation and the seemingly endless forests that surrounded the town.
As the accessible timber resources began to diminish, Perry adapted rather than declined. The establishment of the Buckeye Cellulose plant (now Georgia-Pacific) in 1954 provided economic stability and continued the town’s connection to the forest products industry. This facility remains a significant employer and economic force in the region today.
Throughout its development, Perry has maintained a strong sense of community and southern identity. Annual events like the Florida Forest Festival (established in 1955) celebrate the town’s heritage and cultural roots. Historic buildings in downtown Perry stand as reminders of the town’s evolution from frontier settlement to lumber boomtown to the diverse community it is today.
The history of Perry is more than just a timeline of events—it’s the story of how people adapted to changing conditions while maintaining connections to the land and resources that first drew settlers to this corner of Florida. From indigenous inhabitants to lumber barons to modern residents, the story of Perry continues to unfold within the context of its rich historical foundations.
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