FLAGLER BEACH Fla. — Florida is still the largest producer of sugar cane in the United States, mainly in the southern portion of the state.

But it was once a thriving industry across Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties.

When you first approach the Bulow Plantation it appears like a land that time forgot. 

A shell of a building structure sticks out of the ground as if it was destroyed by a bomb.

Flagler County Historical Society board member James Fiske says sugar was once important in the area.

“This plantation was the largest one on the east part of Florida,” said Fiske

Experts say it was a busy factory for years, once producing tons of sugar for America and beyond. 

But a fire in 1836 shut it down.

“Basically, they would bring in stalks of sugarcane in here. It would be ground down. There was a second story here as well,” said Fiske.

Materials used in construction may be why it’s still standing.

“It was made from coquina rock. A rock that is billions and billions of shells that have been compressed together over millions of years to make a foundation that's very, very strong,” said Fiske.

Cutting cane by hand was common in Florida.

The sugar cane on this plantation was likely grown next to nearby Pellicer Creek.

Excavation efforts over the years have helped to uncover the past, including many slave cabins that were found on the property.

Slaves lived on the plantation and did most of the hard labor, including cutting the cane for production.

This historic state park is open to the public year around. 

Visitors can stroll the grounds, learn along the way, there’s even a small museum.

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is located at 3501 Old Kings Rd. S, Flagler Beach.

The cost is $4 per vehicle.