Museum reveals history of Florida cattle ranching

TAMPA (FOX 13) - When we think of Florida industries, agriculture, tourism, or Disney World may come to mind, but a Tampa museum will take you back to a time when cattle was king.

Cattle rancher Doyle Carlton, III explained, "agriculture is big business in Florida. We're the largest cow, calf producer east of the Mississippi river."

The first cattle brought to the U.S landed in Florida in the 1500s. It was brought by Ponce De Leon. 

The Florida Cattleman Association created a museum that is now located at the fairgrounds in Tampa. It's a place to learn about the history of Florida through the eyes of one of the state's oldest industries. 

Cindy Horton is Director of the Florida Cattle Ranching Museum. She said Florida is also one of the first states to adopt the industry.

"Kind of an overview of America's oldest cattle producing state," she explained of the museum. 

For more information, visit the Florida Cattleman Association's website at http://www.floridacattlemen.org/foundation/foundation-projects/