Harker, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harker
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 Harker
Location in Florida
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Collier |
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 295336 |
Harker was a small, quiet place in Collier County, Florida, in the United States. It was known as an "unincorporated community," which means it didn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it was part of the larger county. Harker was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Bonita Springs and 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of Immokalee.
Contents
What Was Harker?
Harker was a community that no longer exists today. It was once a busy farming area. Many people who lived there worked on farms. They grew different kinds of crops.
Where Was Harker Located?
You could find Harker along State Road 29. This road runs between West Main Street to the north and Oil Well Road to the south. To the west of Harker was a wet, marshy area called Summerland Swamp. To the east was another swampy area known as the Okaloacoochee Slough.
A Farming Community
People believe that Harker started as a farming community in the 1930s. The farms in Harker were famous for growing certain vegetables. They were known for their "squash, potatoes, and large tomatoes."
The Railroad's Role
Harker was an important stop on a train line called the Haines City Branch. This was part of the larger Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Many farm workers lived in Harker and used the train every day. They would ride it to their work sites further south. Both State Road 29 and the railroad were built through Harker in the 1920s.
Why Harker Disappeared
Harker is one of many communities in Florida that are now gone. There were at least 15 such places along a 40-mile stretch of land. These communities, including Harker, slowly faded away over time. They are sometimes called "ghost towns" because people no longer live there.
