Like many small towns in Florida at the time, Lee’s establishment was tied to the expansion of the railroad. Railroads opened opportunities for farmers to transport crops, timber, and livestock to larger markets. The Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which passed through the area, connected Lee to other towns and played a crucial role in its growth. What had once been an isolated rural settlement now had access to broader economic networks.
Agricultural Life
Agriculture defined the life of Lee throughout its history. Tobacco, cotton, and later peanuts, corn, and soybeans were key crops for local farmers. Livestock farming, especially cattle and hogs, also provided sustenance and income for families in the region. Timber and turpentine, important industries in North Florida, also played roles in the town’s development.
The agricultural cycle determined the rhythms of community life. Harvest seasons, barn raisings, and local markets created social cohesion in a way that modern urban centers often lack. Lee’s residents lived close to the land, and farming shaped their identity, values, and traditions. Churches, schools, and family gatherings reinforced the sense of a tightly knit rural community. shutdown123