It's your lucky day!

          Come and commemorate the Wearin' of the Green this month  as we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day on the Manatee River aboard the River Skipper II. 

          Don your green and have a ball while showing off your Irish. We will be shoving off at 7;00 PM on a cruise down river for a marvelous sunset, then on the return trip we will turn up the music and mix in some Irish pub songs to flavor the celebration with a unique Irish flare.

          The Florida turpentine industry has a long and significant history, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Turpentine, derived from the resin of pine trees, was a crucial commodity used for various industrial and domestic purposes.

          The turpentine industry in Florida traces its roots to the mid-1800s. It gained prominence during the post-Civil War era when there was a high demand for naval stores, including turpentine and pitch.

          Turpentine was primarily derived from the longleaf pine trees abundant in the forests of Florida. The process involved tapping the trees to extract resin, which was then processed to produce turpentine and rosin.

Workers, often known as "turpentiners" or "cat-faced men," made incisions in the pine trees to collect resin. This labor-intensive work was carried out in large pine forests.

          Turpentine camps became common in rural areas. These camps housed the workers and their families, creating a unique subculture with its own traditions and challenges.

          Life in these camps was tough, and workers faced difficult working conditions. Many of them were itinerant laborers who moved from camp to camp, following the turpentine industry.

          The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in the turpentine industry, driven by the demand for naval stores in shipbuilding and other industries.

          However, by the mid-20th century, the industry began to decline. Technological changes and the availability of synthetic alternatives reduced the demand for natural turpentine.

          The legacy of the turpentine industry is preserved in various ways, including museums and historical sites. These sites often showcase the tools, artifacts, and stories of the turpentiners.

          The industry played a crucial role in shaping the economic and social landscape of rural Florida, leaving an indelible mark on the state's history.

          Today, remnants of the turpentine industry can still be found in certain areas of Florida, and efforts are made to preserve and interpret this important aspect of the state's history. Museums, historical parks, and exhibits offer insights into the turpentine industry's impact on the development of Florida's economy and culture.

          Want to learn more about the history surrounding the Manatee River and have some fun doing it? Click the button below and book a Day Tour.