Visiting some old florida History.

Ted Smallwood Store.

The Ted Smallwood Store, located in Chokoloskee, Florida, holds a rich history as a significant trading post in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Established in 1906 by Ted Smallwood, the store provided a vital link between the remote Ten Thousand Islands and the outside world, offering essential supplies, purchasing local produce, and serving as a hub for the Seminole Indians and early settlers. This historic establishment provides a window into the past, showcasing the unique blend of cultures and lifestyles that shaped the region’s development. Today, the Ted Smallwood Store stands as a museum, preserving its legacy and offering visitors a glimpse into an important chapter of Florida’s history.

In 1910, Edgar J. Watson purchased the Smallwood Store from Ted Smallwood, seeking a fresh start after a turbulent past. However, Watson’s arrival in the local community was met with suspicion and unease. The tension culminated in a violent encounter on October 24, 1910, when Watson was fatally shot on the porch of the Smallwood Store. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, with various accounts and theories circulating to this day, contributing to the enduring folklore of the region.

The killing of Edgar Watson at the Ted Smallwood Store reverberated across the Chokoloskee community, sparking intrigue and speculation that continue to captivate historians and visitors alike. The unresolved nature of the incident has woven a compelling narrative into the fabric of Florida’s history, fostering a sense of enduring fascination with the enigmatic figure of Edgar Watson and the events that unfolded on that fateful day in 1910. The legacy of this pivotal moment endures as a haunting reminder of the complexities and contradictions that characterize the annals of the Smallwood Store and the storied past of Chokoloskee, Florida.

Our “im born here” Captain has it on good sources that Watson was a SOB who killed people left and right and pulled his double barrel shotgun first , his bullets were wet, it misfored and the townspeople then as a group killed him !

quit the story !!

see you soon