Cemetery and Homestead Adventure in Ocala National Forest

Exploring in Ocala National Forest where an active cemetery and homestead used to be, today now abandoned reclaimed by nature. As I hiked around the woods here I could see remnants from the family who once lived here, it was a large area. They had a family cemetery close by which still remains. I was glad to see the cemetery still kept up for the most part although there has been signs of neglect and vandalism but it's important to keep these places preserved and respect the sites of history. There are many miles of forest roads, off the beaten path places and hiking trails to explore throughout Ocala National Forest. I always enjoy coming out here to the woods and roaming through nature and taking a step back into the past. Enjoy the adventures and thank you for watching!
Ocala National Forest: www.fs.usda.go...
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[@lisapolanski9379]

Amazing to come across that old cemetery. It must have been so difficult to establish a life in the wilderness of Old Florida.

[@Random_Things1001]

My mother is a griggs. There are still a bunch around in ocala and Florida. Their homestead and this area was an orange Grove.
She remembers going there as kid and older.

[@Random_Things1001]

Also used to have honey bees on the land and logging. They eventually sold the land to government which turned it into ocala national forest.

[@annmariesikorski5364]

​@@Random_Things1001
I believe that was a better choice Ocala National Forest then another Disney World massive subdivisions. God bless your ancestors, you and Joe, Florida Trailblazer

[@annmariesikorski5364]

Thank you Florida Trailblazer.

[@catospanky]

Back in the early 1980's we crossed a small stream just North of Alexander Springs and stumbled upon a gator's nest. 13-foot mama gator charged us and chomped heer jaws closed thunderously - TWICE! I suddenly realized that my son had climbed me and was sitting on top of my backpack.

[@mondohankie]

Really appreciate your beautiful videos! Also, you got a haircut. Looks nice and much cooler for Florida weather!

[@BenWilson-pv3be]

like your vids.

[@debraparsons2618]

EXCELLENT VIDEO, Joe💚😎🧡

[@jsnmarch]

Those are some of the most random patches of bamboo ever.

[@FLtrailblazer]

I know they must’ve been planted by the homesteaders here bk then

[@bigfootworldcryptidresearchers]

I live close to this area I was there last week.

[@BenWilson-pv3be]

wow

[@bobwitter7319]

Thanks for another cool adventure and this one is close to where I live, I have got to explore more and ,and you are an inspiration!

[@SassySquatchHiker55]

I know exactly where that Cemetary is.

[@allenperkins2775]

I really like your vids . The forest is BIG , could you tell us where this is . Thanks

[@SoozTalkWorthTelling]

Questions
1. If the brick foundation is the location of the Drew mansion why do all the photographs and earlier drawings depict a house raised up, presumably for air circulation, and no brick foundation.?
2. I’m presuming the Cemetery is named, Drew Family Cemetery. I’m having troubles finding that on Find a Grave.
3 Were there any signs of a slave graveyard?
4. history says the estate was off of HILL Road. Were there any remnants of paved road, the reason I know it might’ve been paved is that my great uncle Winder Hillman, who the graffiti Bridge was named for, is credited for the road, constructions roads all around Suwannee County
Please let me meet you out there if you return. And hopefully you will return because a bigger mystery would be to find my great uncles house that was at the end of Hill Road. He affectionately named his estate, Hillmonia.

[@MsVagabondBelle]

😊

[@irenec9845]

What cemetary is it

[@Random_Things1001]

Griggs cemetery

[@catherinecarnish4301]

Thanks for sharing your hike experience with the cemetery. All those young children’s graves. What a reminder of the hardships they endured during the 1800s . A part of a foundation still remains. Very humbling walking around an old cemetery.

[@billarwood1996]

Name of this Cemetery? Have you explored the Denver cemetery off lake George?

[@krazium1776]

so why did they all die like almost immeditly?

[@hazelb7218]

In the 1800's there were lots of diseases around that killed people early....you were lucky to live into your 20's....there was Cholera in mid 1800's and later Smallpox to name a few...many infants died very young