Union naval blockades disrupted trade along the St. Johns River, creating shortages and economic challenges. Though Mims did not witness major battles, the war’s social and economic effects were deeply felt, reshaping landownership patterns and labor practices in the post-war years.
Reconstruction and Social Change
The Reconstruction era brought significant transformations to Mims. The abolition of slavery required adjustments in agriculture and labor systems. Freed African American communities established churches, schools, and neighborhoods, contributing to the town’s cultural diversity.
Reconstruction politics, combined with challenges such as sporadic violence and economic instability, influenced the town’s development. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure, establish public institutions, and integrate formerly enslaved populations shaped Mims’ social landscape during the late 19th century.
Citrus Industry and Boom Years
By the late 19th century, Mims became a center for citrus production, capitalizing on Florida’s subtropical climate. Orange, grapefruit, and tangerine groves expanded across the region, attracting laborers and investors.
The citrus industry created wealth and prompted the construction of packing houses, storage facilities, and roads to transport fruit to northern markets. Mims’ economic identity during this period was closely tied to citrus, and local culture reflected the rhythms of agricultural life. shutdown123