This signs stands at 400 West Esplanade, Punta Gorda.  On June 22, 1876 James Lockhart and family chose this site to build their new home.  The area was described as the lowest location in the region with pine trees and an adjacent shell mound.

     The Lockhart family camped at this site while building their new home. They were able to dig a well that provided excellent water.  The schooner Santa Maria arrived in the area with their belongimgs.  They planted a vegetable garden, lemon, lime and orange tree.  They raised goats, pigs, and chickens.

     In October,20, 1876 a hurricane caused severe flooding in the house.  The house was salvaged.  There were plentiful mullet and tarpon.

     Two years later, Lockhart sold his claim.to James Madison Lanier

Info about Legacy Trail and South Creek Trestle

Railroad Tracks on South Creek Trestle

History of South Creek Trestle

South Crek Trestle

 

     The Wisconsin was John Ringling’s private railroad car.  It was built in 1896 by the Pullman Rail Car Company. It was refurbished in 1905, at Ringling’s request.  For the next 11 years, John Ringling conducted his business aboard the Wisconsin.

     Ringling also took vacations aboard the car.to Utah and Yellowstone National Park.  They also took trips to Sarasota when they built their property in 1911…

     Like a luxury yacht, the rail car had its own monogrammed tables and glassware. 

     The car weighed 65 tons.and was wooden in construction.  Its entrance was outlawed in New York City because of the fire hazard in the city tunnels.  The Wisconsin was sold in 1911..

     The Wisconsin changed names of owners over the 20th century.  It came to rest on the side of the lake where the Atlantic and East Carolina Railroad used it as a fishing cabin for employees.