Long before Florida was famous for its oranges, beaches and tourist industry, there was the cattle trade. North America's first cattle were introduced in Florida in 1521. Over the years, the state's cattle industry thrived through numerous wars, The Great Depression, insect invasions, hurricanes and land development. This is the story of the people and places that made it possible. The sunshine state has a rich and colorful history. For hundreds of years the state has attracted dreamers, opportunists, inventors and fortune-seekers. WGCU's Untold Stories aims to preserve the history of Southwest Florida communities. Visit us online at: https://www.wgcu.org/ Follow us! Facebook: http://facebook.com/wgcupublicmedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/wgcu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wgcupublicmedia Florida Cattle and Cracker Cowmen | Untold Stories WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida #UntoldStories #WGCU #SouthwestFlorida