Florida in the late 1800s was a veritable jungle frontier. It was hot, dangerous, hostile, and difficult to traverse and settle. Voracious insect swarms, bears, panthers, and alligators were dangerous to the unwary. There were postwar military trails and steamboats on the major waterways, but much of the state was inaccessible. In spite of its untamed nature, stories continued to filter into the north of Florida's exciting potential. This setting attracted all sorts of adventurers: land developers, people desperate for land, and people who wanted to make a quick dollar. The ones who stayed...