It is no secret that Florida is best known for its citrus industry, but did you know St. Johns County is home to Florida’s Potato Capital? Learned about the rich history of the town of Hastings, which was a key player in the agricultural development of Florida’s east coast and continues to produce and manufacture crops for the state.
History of Hastings
Thomas Horace Hastings
Thomas Horace Hastings, a cousin of oil magnate Henry Flagler, established Prairie Garden, a 1,569-acre plantation just 18 miles west of St. Augustine, with the intention to grow winter vegetables for Flagler’s distinguished Hotel Ponce de Leon. At the time, the area was mostly wilderness, and the nearest railway station was in Merryfield, but Hastings wanted one at Prairie Garden. Legend has it that Mr. Hastings may or may not have instigated a group of teens to move the station and put up a sign with his name on it.
Hastings officially received its charter in 1909, and Irish potatoes were the “big money” crop, earning the title “Florida’s Potato Capital.” In 1917, potato prices soared, allowing locals to buy cars, jewelry, furniture, and clothing while small businesses expanded. Agricultural pioneers such as UJ White, WH Erwin, Frank Nix, and John T. Dismukes introduced modern machinery and fertilization methods to improve crop yields.
After Dixie Highway extended into the town, Hastings drew visitors from St. Augustine, and 1924 photos show that the digging season brought heavy traffic. Today, Hastings is the packing and shipping center for a tri-county potato-growing area serving Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
Potato Growers Association Building
Hastings Potato Growers Association building
As the town of Hastings grew in the early 1900s, local growers recognized a need for the agency to sell their crops on their behalf. Several cooperatives were formed until officially coming together in 1922 as the Hastings Potato Growers Association. The group occupied what was once known as the Byrd Building until the Growers Association building was finished in 1927.
Bulls-Hit Ranch
Bull’s-Hit Ranch & Farm
Bulls-Hit Ranch & Farm is located in Hastings, along State Road 207, which grows potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, and hay. It’s best known for its delicious potato chips, Bulls Chips, which are discontinued. The thick, crunchy chips were fried by hand in kettles of peanut oil and sold at County Line Produce and local stores. Launched in 1995, Bulls Chips sold about 52,000 bags a year.
Railroad Park
Railroad Park
Railroad Park commemorates the importance of the railway to Florida’s agriculture and industry. Check out local eats and sites along Main Street nearby.
Hastings Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival
APRIL 25 & 26, 2026
Savor culinary delights highlighting cabbage, potatoes, and bacon from vendors and experience farm-to-table cooking demonstrations.
This carb-based hometown festival gets a dose of healthy competition with the Mow Down Lawn Mower Race, Miss Potato Queen Beauty Pageant, 5K & 10K Spud Run, and a Cooking Competition.
Admission is free, but some events are ticketed.
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