Origins and Rawlings’ Move to Cross Creek
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was born in 1896 in Washington, D.C., but her literary and personal life became inseparably linked with Florida:
- Early Life and Education: Rawlings grew up in the Northeast, attending Smith College and developing an early interest in literature and creative writing. Her fascination with rural life and nature would later influence her decision to relocate.
- The Move to Florida: In 1928, seeking a life closer to nature and drawn by the landscape of north-central Florida, Rawlings purchased a 72-acre orange grove and a modest farmhouse along the banks of the Cross Creek area in Alachua County. The property would become her home for the next two decades.
- Selection of Location: Cross Creek offered a mix of isolated wilderness, citrus groves, and a small community steeped in traditions, providing Rawlings with both inspiration and solitude. The swampy terrain, oak hammocks, and the freshwater creek were integral to her writing.
Rawlings’ move was transformative, both for her personal life and for central Florida, as her presence brought national attention to this relatively remote rural area. shutdown123