Florida Cracker Trail Ride Brings History to Life in Manatee County This Saturday
Manatee County residents will have a front-row seat to a living piece of Florida history this Saturday as the Florida Cracker Trail Association embarks on its annual cross-state ride. The event celebrates the legacy of the Cracker Cowmen, the early cattle drivers who shaped Florida’s agricultural heritage.
The ride begins at 9 a.m. at Manatee Elementary School, following part of the historic Cracker Trail, now known as State Road 64. Riders will continue their journey eastward, with the local portion of the route concluding near Home Depot. Spectators are encouraged to witness the procession as riders and horses navigate the area, keeping this long-standing tradition alive.
The Florida Cracker Trail Cross-State Ride retraces the paths of 19th-century cattle drivers who moved livestock from inland ranches to coastal ports. Spanning from Bradenton to Fort Pierce, the annual ride is a reminder of Florida’s deep-rooted ranching culture and the importance of preserving this history for future generations.
Organizers invite the community to watch the historic ride as it departs from Manatee Elementary and to learn more about the Cracker Trail’s significance in Florida’s past.
