Friday, April 18, 2008

Desert Inn





Yeehaw Junction is a crossroads about seventy miles south of Kissimmee. It sits at the intersection of Hwy 441 and Rt 60, about a half mile west of the Florida Turnpike. This is the only turnpike exit between Kissimmee and Fort Pierce. I stopped here one morning when I was on my way south for business, because of my never ending quest to bring you the important and historical sites of Osceola County. More information about the Inn is in the comment section for those that are interested.

13 comments:

George Townboy said...

The Desert Inn

The Desert Inn was founded as a trading post in the late 1880s. The present building dates before 1925 and served as a supply and recreational center for cattle drovers, lumber men and tourists during the era when much of Osceola County was still undeveloped wilderness. Cowmen working the free ranging cattle on the palmetto prairie and lumber men cutting timber in the nearby pine lands came to the Desert Inn to eat, drink, and dance at this “oasis” where they could enjoy some relief from their arduous labors. Local patrons of the trading post and restaurant included African Americans and Seminoles, who had separate dinging facilities in the era of segregation. The construction of roads in the 1930s brought tourists to the area, and a set of overnight cabins were erected behind the original building. Today the Desert Inn continues to be a popular destination for tourists and local residents. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Southern Heart said...

We just passed this area on the turnpike about a month ago! Very nice to see. I always enjoy your posts, especially the comments. :)

Janice Thomson said...

Yeehaw! Cool place dude. I love coming here and getting my shot of humor everyday.

Champ Townboy said...

Southern Heart: Couldn't miss it, right? There are only about thirty billboards pointing you to Yeehaw ... which has nothing but a tourist info stand, lol. Thank you, you are very kind.

Janice: I'm happy about that too!!

Carletta said...

Cowboys in Florida - who knew!

I'm a sucker for a cowboy in a big hat - but this one looks a little one-sided! LOL

Nice photos!

Small City Scenes said...

Hey, it has a for lease sign out front. that is so sad. I like cowboys. He does look a little flattened.
Interesting history which I like. MB

Champ Townboy said...

Carletta: Proper Bostonians too, lol!! I've worn the boots, but never the hat! I'm just cracking myself up here!! Thank you!

MB: That is a busy intersection, but I guess everyone is just too busy to stop. There's nothing left in Yeehaw Junction, except a Tourist Information stop and a gas station!! Very strange.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, this is a treasure find. Coming here is always a treat. What you do is unique!

George Townboy said...

Nathalie: Thank you so much!! I feel the same way when I visit your blog!

Neva said...

This is a hoot.....love the cowboy. you find very interesting things to photograph....I love my visits here!

Neva said...

Very nice....

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

This is the best way to get acquainted with a town!!!! Your blog doesn't stop astonishing me!!!! Loved this post!!!!!!!!

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...
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