04/11/2026
William Hart, of Villa City and builder of the historic Edge house, used to free range his cattle between Mascotte and Okahumpka.
Florida’s cattle industry began when the early Spanish explorers brought livestock to the Peninsula in the 1500s. most ranchers did not fence their cows until the early 20th Century? They allowed the animals to wander the open range, going wherever they could find the best grass. More here: https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/295240
State Archives of Florida
America250FL