When you think of Florida, you probably imagine sandy beaches, palm trees, and retirees in shorts and flip flops. What you probably don’t think of is a utopian community founded by a guy who believed the earth was hollow and we all live inside it. Welcome to the wild world of the Koreshan Unity Settlement! If you’re looking for a break from the beach, this is a great Florida State Park to check out.
The Koreshan Beliefs
Founded in the late 19th century by Cyrus Teed, the Koreshan Unity Settlement was home to a group of people who believed in “cellular cosmogony,” the theory that the universe exists inside a giant, hollow sphere. And no, I’m not making this up. They really believed this.
But aside from their quirky beliefs, the Koreshans were also quite progressive for their time. They believed in gender equality and communal living, and they even had their own orchestra! Talk about a harmonious community.
The Koreshan Governance
Enter the Planetary Court, a committee made up entirely of women who handled the community’s decision-making. Who needs a man in charge when you have a court of women calling the shots?
However, it wasn’t all girl power and progressive thinking in the Koreshan community. In a move that would make modern parents clutch their pearls, children were separated from their parents and raised communally. The goal was to ensure that kids were brought up in line with the Koreshan ideals. Talk about taking “it takes a village to raise a child” to a whole new level!
From Chicago to Florida
Originally based in Chicago, the Koreshans decided to take their show on the road, migrating south to sunny Florida, where they established their utopian community along the Estero River. Because when you believe the earth is hollow, what better place to set up shop than the tropical paradise of Florida?
Exploring Koreshan State Park
Today, the former settlement is now the Koreshan State Park, a place where visitors can step back in time with a old florida feel and explore the historic buildings, including the Founders House, Planetary Court, bakery, machine shop, and Art Hall.
The park has a hiking and camping area as well as the occasional farmers market or festival. While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll along shell crushed paths beneath towering palms or along the beautiful Estero River, where you can spot alligators, turtles, and maybe even a manatee if you’re lucky. There are even kayaks available to rent here or at Estero River Outfitters across the street. Just watch out for any Koreshans who might have gotten lost on their way to the center of the earth.
So, if you find yourself in Florida and are looking for something a little different than the usual theme parks and beach resorts, consider a visit to Koreshan State Park. You’ll learn about a fascinating piece of Florida’s history, and you’ll get to enjoy some beautiful nature while you’re at it. Just remember to bring your sense of humor, because this is one quirky piece of the Sunshine State!
