Soon after the Tamiami Trail was completed in 1928 the logging industry began within the Big Cypress Swamp. Many of the people that were involved in the activity were of African American descent. To learn more about their role read the report African Americans and the Sawmills of Big Cypress - A Brief History by Frank and Audrey Peterman. (large file 3.54 mbs)
Did You Know?
Airboats are one of the approved ways to access remote areas of Big Cypress National Preserve. Remember all Off-Road Vehicle access requires a valid permit, and visitors operating ORVs need to know the legal areas they can operate.