During the mid-19th century, Maj. John Eatton LeConte, a renowned naturalist and one of the first explorerers of the state of Florida, purchased a number of fruit trees in New York. LeConte was informed that one of the trees, the Chinese Sand Pear, was not viable in this country and would never produce quality fruit, if any at all. The Major decided to attempt to grow the tree anyway and had it transported to the care of his niece, Jane LeConte Harden, in Liberty County.
The tree was planted at Woodmanston, the family's plantation and Harden's home. Unfortunately, by the time it matured and began bearing fruit, the Civil War commenced, and hte tree was simply forgotten. But, when peace resumed, cultivation efforts of the LeConte Pear, as the hybrid came to be known, continued. Its large, juicy fruit proved perfect for cooking, canning, preserving and eating straight from the tree.
Recognizing LeConte-Wodmanston Plantation and honoring LeConte's determination to introduce this tree to Liberty and the remarkable success ultimately achieved with his namesake fruit, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce has chosen the LeConte Pear as its new logo.
