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founding father. Barwick
was a 25-year-old entrepreneur who traveled to the area from Georgia
and set up a lumbering operation. Along with a small number of
pioneers, Barwick built a few stores, homes and a town square.
Early Wildwood settlers followed agricultural pursuits, with most of
the products being used for home consumption, like cotton. Later,
canals and waterways were opened which made it possible to transport
products all the way to Okahumpka. In 1882, the Tropical Florida
Railroad Company extended a line south from Ocala to Wildwood. In June
of 1882, the first train arrived in Wildwood. By January 1, 1883,
another 8 miles were added and a new railroad was serving Panasoffkee.
And by January of 1885, the Florida Railway and Navigation Company
started construction of an additional 14 miles between Panasoffkee and
Terrell, which continued Wildwood's slow but steady growth. When the
railroad industry declined in the 1960s, the town was successfully
redirected toward other opportunities. |
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