Episode 43: Museum of Industry
Discover a treasure trove of history as your host Ayla Sparks, along with guest Jess Craig, take you through the industrial evolution of Pensacola, Florida. Our episode unearths how the Industrial Revolution reshaped a fort town into a center of progress, revealing the ingenuity behind Snapper Smacks and the monumental role of trains like the T.R. Miller Mill Company Steam Engine #12. As we walk through time, you'll be captivated by the narratives of industries, from timber to turpentine, that left an indelible mark on the Gulf Coast.
🌊 Maritime Saga: Red Snapper Industry
Step into the past with vibrant tales of Pensacola's maritime saga, where the red snapper industry reigned supreme before succumbing to overfishing and ecological challenges. We canvas the transformative impact of trains on the local economy and share the poignant history of brick making in a sandy region. The rise of the Pensacola Ice Company and its revolutionary fish preservation methods unfold, painting a picture of innovation amidst adversity. The Museum of Industry stands as a testament to these stories, with artifacts that connect you to a time of bustling industry and cultural richness.
☠️ Pirate Archaeology and Turpentine?
Shift to the darker side of the Gulf of Mexico as we explore pirate archaeology and the turpentine industry's reliance on penal labor. Discover the realities of the pirate's life beyond romanticized tales through the co-authored book "Deadman's Chest." Jess Craig's insights provide a unique lens into the past that continues to shape the present and future of this coastal gem.
T.R. Miller Mill Company Steam Engine #12, photo credit: James A. Vaitkunas photo, courtesy HeritageRail Alliance
Episode Links:
"Dead Man's Chest: Exploring the Archaeology of Piracy" Co-authored by Jess Cragg: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/227/edited_volume/book/111420
Guest:
Jessie Cragg earned her Bachelors in History, with a minor in Archaeology, from the University of Georgia. She earned her Master's in History/Public History from the University of West Florida, focusing on colonial and early republic maritime history. She has previously worked for Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and Emerald Coast Tours but is currently the Curator of Exhibits at the UWF Historic Trust. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Pensacola History Illustrated, a publication of the Historic Trust. She is currently the Vice President of the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation, and recently co-authored a book chapter with Mike Thomin on identifying pirates in the archaeological record. Jessie is also a certified SCUBA diver, and is about to start the Heritage Awareness Diver specialty course, so while not at work she spends most of her spare time under the water.
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