Moses Elias Levy
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 29° 30.313 W 082° 16.773
17R E 375977 N 3264643
Located in the median of Cholokka Blvd at NE Magnolia Ave.
Waymark Code: WMQXFE
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 04/10/2016
Views: 8
Moses Elias Levy (1782-1854), a Moroccan born Jewish merchant, came to Florida after its cession from Spain to the United States in 1821. Before his arrival, Levy acquired over 50,000 acres in East Florida. In 1822, Levy began development on Pilgrimage Plantation, just northwest of the future town of Micanopy. The plantation's main commodity was sugar cane, which Levy had reintroduced to Florida. Levy and his partners, including the Florida Association of New York, helped to draw Jewish settlers to the area with the goal of creating a refuge for oppressed European Jews in a communitarian settlement, the first on U.S. soil. Levy's efforts sparked significant economic development, spurring the growth of Micanopy from a small trading post to a bustling town. Pilgrimage was destroyed in 1835 during the Second Seminole War, but Levy's reform efforts continued. He promoted free public education and served as one of the territory's first Education Commissioners. He was also a vigorous advocate for the gradual abolition of slavery and the humane treatment of enslaved people. Levy was the father of David Levy Yulee, one of the first U.S. Senators from Florida and the first U.S. Senator of Jewish heritage in American history.
Marker Number: F-860
Date: 2015
County: Alachua
Marker Type: City
Sponsored or placed by: The Town of Micanopy, Micanopy Historical Society, The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, and the Florida Department of State
Website: Not listed
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