ROLLESTOWN

NAME: Rollestown COUNTY: Putnam ROADS: 2WD GRID: 2 CLIMATE: Fine BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime

COMMENTS: The site is in a wayside park on SR17 just south of Palatka on the east side of the St. John's River REMAINS: Nothing except a historical marker

In 1767 an English Philanthropist, by the name of Deny Rolles established an agricultural colony on the banks of the St John's River. This being at the time of British Florida, he brought indentured servants from the streets of London who were primarily vagrants, beggars, debtors and prostitutes. This large plantation on the river was an agricultural failure due to the fact that the 200 people Rolles brought from Britain knew nothing about farming. In addition, they could not adjust to the tropical wilderness and hard work required so they eventually scattered. After this time negro slaves were brought in to work the citrus crops, develop a turpentine enterprise and raise cattle. The community was abandoned in 1783 when the British returned Florida back to Spain. Deny Rolles returned to England and the slaves migrated to the Bahamas. Submitted by: Mike Woodfin

Historical Marker on the site of Rollestown courtesy Mike Woodfin

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