New Smyrna Sugar Industry Remnants, Florida, Early 1900s

This vintage photograph captures the remnants of the sugar industry in New Smyrna, Volusia County, Florida, a region with a rich agricultural history. Taken as part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, the image features a distant view of geared wheels, indicative of the milling machines that once played a critical role in sugar production.

The date of the photograph aligns with the early 20th century, a time when sugar mills were prominent in the Southeast. The photo serves as a visual record of the technological advancements in milling machinery that contributed to the regions economic development.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, documented significant architectural and industrial sites, which are now preserved in collections such as the Library of Congress. This historic image not only provides insight into the agricultural practices of the era but also highlights the architectural remnants that tell the story of Floridas sugar industry.