When news of the end of the Civil War and the collapse of the Confederacy reached Broward County, FL in the spring of 1865, it marked the unofficial end of slavery. According to the 1860 census, slaves made up 73% of the population in Leon County, which was the center of both the Florida slave trade and its plantation industry. American colonists had established cotton plantations in North Florida, which necessitated a large number of workers. To meet this demand, they purchased slaves on the domestic market.
In 1862, Union military activity in East and West Florida encouraged slaves in plantation areas to flee from their owners in search of freedom. During the period of Spanish colonial rule, few enslaved Africans were imported to Florida from Cuba, as there were no mines or plantations. The termination of slavery had a tremendous effect on plantation owners in Broward County, FL. With no more slaves to work their land, plantation owners had to find alternative sources of labor. This was a difficult task as many former slaves had left the area and those who remained were unwilling to work for their former masters.
Plantation owners were also faced with the challenge of finding new ways to make money without relying on slave labor. The end of slavery also meant that plantation owners had to pay wages to their workers. This was a major financial burden for many plantation owners who were already struggling financially due to the war. Furthermore, they had to compete with other employers for workers, which drove up wages even further.
The end of slavery also meant that plantation owners had to adjust their management style. They could no longer rely on slave labor and had to find new ways to motivate their workers. This included offering better wages and working conditions as well as providing incentives for good performance. Finally, the end of slavery meant that plantation owners had to find new ways to make money.
Many turned to other forms of agriculture such as dairy farming or raising livestock. Others diversified their businesses by investing in other industries such as banking or real estate. The conclusion of slavery had a significant impact on plantation owners in Broward County, FL. They had to find alternative sources of labor, pay wages to their workers, adjust their management style, and find new ways to make money. These changes were difficult for many plantation owners but ultimately led to a more equitable society where everyone was treated fairly and given equal opportunities.
