Agricola, Florida facts for kids
Agricola was a special kind of town in Polk County, Florida, built a long time ago in 1907. It was located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Bartow. This town was unique because it was a "company town." This means a big business, Swift and Company, built it just for their employees and their families.
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What Was Agricola?
Agricola was more than just a place to live. It was a complete community. The town had everything its residents needed. There were shops, schools, and houses. All these facilities were for the employees of Swift and Company. The company was involved in two main activities here. They had a food processing plant. They also operated a phosphate mining business. Phosphate is a mineral used to make fertilizers.
Life in a Company Town
Imagine living in a town where almost everyone worked for the same company! That's what Agricola was like. The people who lived there were mostly factory workers. Their families also lived in the town. The community was designed to be self-sufficient. This means residents could find most of what they needed right there. They didn't have to travel far for daily necessities.
Why Was Agricola Built?
Swift and Company built Agricola to provide housing for their workers. This was common for large industries in the early 1900s. It helped companies keep their employees close to the workplace. It also ensured workers had a stable place to live. The town helped the company manage its workforce efficiently.
The End of Agricola
Agricola operated as a company town for many years. It lasted until the 1950s. At that time, the phosphate industry began to change. Companies no longer needed to provide housing for their employees. Workers could live in nearby towns and travel to work.
What Happened to the Town?
When the company decided to close the town, residents had a choice. They could buy their homes and move them to a new location. Any houses or buildings that were not moved were taken down. After the town was gone, the land continued to be used for phosphate mining. Today, Agricola is no longer a town, but the area is still known for its history in the phosphate industry.
