Swan, Benjamin and Robert Henly
1885

Rare plan of Kerr City, Florida

Plan of Kerr City, Florida Marion County, Florida Swan and Henly Proprietors

DESCRIPTION: Plat map of Kerr City, Florida in Ocala National Forest. A folding sales brochure produced by the town's founders- J.J. Swan (Tecumseh, Michigan) and Robert Henly (Carthage, Indiana) in 1885. Recorded in Ocala, Florida April 2, 1885.

Kerr City is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rare, no example of this map is found in WorldCat or the Library of Congress.

Kerr City, Florida, is a historic community located in Marion County located on the north side of Lake Kerr. The town is known for being one of Florida's oldest platted communities. The town was originally intended to be a farming community and was platted with over 100 lots. Optimism about its growth was high, and the community once boasted a post office, hotel, general store, and schoolhouse. However, the freezing winters of 1894-1895 devastated the citrus crops that were a significant part of the local economy.

In the years that followed, Kerr City became something of a ghost town. Many of its original buildings deteriorated or were repurposed for other uses, including as fishing camps. However, some of its historical charm has been preserved, and the area has drawn attention for its scenic beauty and the nearby Lake Kerr. The community never regained its initial momentum but has settled into a quiet existence, attracting those interested in Florida's history and natural beauty. As of the early 21st century, Kerr City is privately owned and consists of a small number of residences and historical buildings, serving as a vivid reminder of a bygone era in Florida's history.

CREATOR: Swan, Benjamin and Robert Henly

PUBLICATION DATE: 1885

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: Lake Kerr

CONDITION: Good. Trace of folds. Washed and flattened. Archival repairs from the verso to close minor separations t the folds.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: 13 " x 13 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION:

PRICE: $475

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