In other cultural news, Forest Home Village - just outside of Punta Gorda Town in the Toledo District - is now officially recognized by the National Institute of Culture and History as a Historic Community.
In commemoration of the special recognition, a sign, which highlights the village's historical and cultural heritage, was installed near its entrance, along the PG - San Antonio Road.
That significant is that in 1868, the area was settled by several American Ex-Confederates who migrated from the United States at the end of the Civil War in 1856 after their side lost. They purchased property from Young, Toledo, and Company, and that's how the "Toledo Settlement" emerged. Today, those lands encompass Jacintoville, Eldrigeville, Forest Home, and Cattle Landing.
The American Ex-Confederates established sugar plantations, and they produced and sold sugar. East Indians were brought into the Toledo Settlement to work on the sugar plantations as indentured laborers.
Today, Forest Home Village is a predominantly East Indian community.
Forest Home is now the third community to receive the designation and signage. They follow San Joaquin Village and Gales Point Manatee, which were recognized as Historic Communities last year.
