Field Manor
History & Heritage
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Description
In 1868, the Fields made their way south, landing on their future Merritt Island estate on March 21st. Within their first year, the John Moss’s youngest son passed away at the age of 8, and John’s wife decided it was time to head home. The whole family headed back to Macon except John Robert and Samuel Joseph; they decided to fight the tough conditions and work on their new Florida adventure. The brothers applied for Homestead Act certificates multiple times, accumulating 471.5 acres of land.
Three generations of the Field family lived within the homestead beginning with John Robert Field and his wife Eliza. Their son Joseph Edward Field and his wife Louise were the next occupants, followed by their son Joseph Edward Field Jr. and his wife Alma Clyde. It was Alma Clyde’s dream for the homestead and grove to become a museum. In 1998, she created Field Manor Foundation--outlining her vision to be carried out. Upon her death in 2013, she provided funding for the Foundation to start making a change in the community.
The existing historic structure, dating to as early as 1880, reflects the family’s growing size and needs up through 1930. Many of the family’s original possessions remain on display within the homestead, dating from 1860-1960. Come experience the pioneer life of John, Eliza, and their family as they transitioned from Macon life to a dramatic, challenging life on the Indian River Lagoon. Discover Merritt Island’s past and help us preserve it for the future. Visit Field Manor today!
