Big Cypress National Preserve combines historic imagery with concise text to unveil the story of the largest cypress forest in the world, protecting such famed species as the ghost orchid and Florida panther.

Lying deep within Southwest Florida, the Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 1,000 square-miles of the Big Cypress Swamp. Home to namesake cypress tree swamps, prairies, forested islands, ghost orchids, alligators, Florida panthers, and waterbirds, its human history spans thousands of years becoming refuge for the unconquered Seminole and Miccosukee people. Nearly inaccessible until the 1920’s when opened by roads and railroad, it was America’s last frontier, settled by hardy pioneers, plume- and alligator-hunters, farmers, smugglers, and moonshiners. Thwarting large-scale development, the Preserve was established over fifty years ago to protect the swamp and Everglades water resources while facilitating compatible traditional uses. Today the Preserve continues to support its swamp heritage, both natural and cultural, enabling Seminoles, Miccosukees, backwoodsmen, recreationalists, and passing motorists to appreciate its unique environment.