Site of the Rosewood Massacre, Cedar Key, Florida

The Forgotten Town of Rosewood: A Century-Old Tragedy Remembered

Introduction

Driving along State Road 24 toward Cedar Key, Florida, the scenery feels serene—open fields, coastal breezes, and the promise of Gulf sunsets. Yet, tucked away in this idyllic setting lies a haunting chapter of American history: the site of the Rosewood Massacre, a racially motivated attack that obliterated a thriving Black community in January 1923. Today, a modest historical marker stands as the sole sentinel of memory, reminding us of the lives lost and the resilience of those who survived.

The Town That Vanished

Founded in 1847, Rosewood was a small but prosperous town in Levy County, about nine miles east of Cedar Key. By the early 1920s, it was home to roughly 200 African American residents and a single white family who operated the general store. Rosewood’s families were landowners, farmers, and businesspeople—some owning up to 300 acres. The town boasted churches, a school, a Masonic Hall, two mills, and even a baseball team, the Rosewood Stars. Life in Rosewood represented a rare pocket of security and promise in the Jim Crow South.

The Spark That Ignited Violence

On New Year’s Day, 1923, a white woman in nearby Sumner claimed she had been assaulted by a Black man. Her accusation—later believed to be fabricated to conceal an affair—spread like wildfire. Fueled by racial hatred and rumors, mobs of white men, including Ku Klux Klan members, descended on Rosewood. Over several days, they lynched residents, burned homes, and terrorized families. Survivors fled into swamps, hiding for days before escaping by train with the help of sympathetic locals. Official reports listed eight deaths (six Black residents and two whites), but eyewitness accounts suggest the toll was far higher—possibly dozens.

Erased from the Map

By the end of that week, Rosewood was gone—its homes, churches, and businesses reduced to ashes. Survivors scattered, many assuming new identities to escape further violence. For decades, silence shrouded the massacre. It wasn’t until the 1980s that journalists revived the story, prompting a landmark moment in U.S. history: in 1994, Florida became the first state to compensate victims of racial violence, awarding reparations to Rosewood survivors and their descendants.

The Memorial Today

If you visit the site today, don’t expect a bustling museum or elaborate exhibits. The memorial is a simple roadside marker along SR 24—a quiet tribute to a community erased by hate. Nearby, one original home still stands, privately owned, and visible through the trees. For those who seek deeper understanding, the marker offers a moment of reflection rather than tourism. It’s a place to pause, read, and remember.

Why Rosewood Matters

The Rosewood Massacre is not just a Florida story—it’s an American story. It underscores the devastating impact of racial violence and the long shadow of silence that followed. Visiting the site is an act of acknowledgment, a way to honor those who suffered and ensure history does not repeat itself. As we mark more than a century since the tragedy, Rosewood stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of justice and the enduring need for truth.

Planning Your Visit

1. Location: SR 24 near Cedar Key, Florida (approx. 6331 SW 98th Terrace)
2. What to Expect: A historical marker, open fields, and a somber atmosphere. There are no visitor facilities—this is a reflective stop, not a tourist attraction.
3. Nearby: Cedar Key offers charming cafes, art galleries, and Gulf views—making it a good base for those exploring Florida’s hidden histories.