MISSION:
The mission of Field Manor Foundation is to conserve the historic Field Manor Homestead for the purpose of educating the public about East Central Florida native inhabitants and early settlers' culture and customs. Field Manor utilizes the historic homestead and surrounding groves to educate its guests about the significance of the Field family and their contributions to Florida agriculture and social history.
HISTORY:
The Field family left Bibb County, Ga. in 1867/68 to make a new life in Florida. They took advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862. A true pioneer, JR Field 'homesteaded' twice for a total of 320 acres at $1.25/acre. His brother, Sam, had 160 acres, and together they founded Indianola on Merritt Island. Many generations enjoyed life in the groves, the river, and the sense of community. And through its preservation, Field Manor will continue to tell the story of early pioneer life in Florida.
Field Manor Foundation operates this property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. Field Manor opened to the public for historic home and grove tours and field trips in late 2014. The Foundation's target initiatives revolve around agriculture and education. Since its inception, Field Manor Foundation completed a years-long restoration of the historic homestead structure dating to the 1880's--removing modern alterations and additions. Community events, student activity tours, and weddings are ways to support this Trail Member site.