Craig Sugar Mill Chimney

William Pinkston Craig, a planter and native of Maryland, came to the Manatee River from Leon County, Florida, in the early 1840s, cleared an original 160 acres, planted sugar cane and corn, and built a sugar and grist mill. Its 45 ft. chimney of local stone still stands. From June 1849 to June 1850, Craig processed about 40,000 lbs. of sugar and 8,000 gallons of molasses. At the chimney's base were 2 furnaces that supported five 200 gallon copper kettles used for boiling cane juice. During the Seminole Wars, weapons were fired through the chimney ports.

Ellenton, Florida · United States