Ironstone is a natural resource that was used throughout the site. This sedimentary rock is comprised primarily of iron oxide and sand. Juan de la Rua, the first owner of the property, began mining the stone and sold it to the Pensacola Navy Yard.

After purchasing the land from Rua in 1828, Joseph Forsyth continued the mining operation and used the capital to finance his sawmill. In 1829, Forsyth sold large shipments of Arcadia ironstone to the Pensacola Wharf Company to construct the one thousand-foot Pensacola Wharf.

At Arcadia, laborers used ironstone to construct the foundations of the dam, mill complex, and residential structures. Drill holes are still visible on the interpreted ironstone outcropping.

Credits and Sources:

Information courtesy of UWF Historic Trust