History Of Trapper Nelson – Wildman Of The Loxahatchee River

Early Life and Journey to Jupiter
Trapper Nelson At His Zoo On The LoxahatcheeVincent Nostokovich, famously known as Trapper Nelson, was born on April 17, 1908, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Polish immigrant parents. He grew up in a working-class family but experienced a difficult upbringing marked by loss and hardship. Following the death of his father, Trapper dropped out of school and began to seek adventure and opportunities in the rugged American wilderness.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Trapper migrated to Florida, drawn by the promise of a warmer climate and opportunities to live off the land. He eventually arrived in the wilds of Jupiter, where the lush landscape and the untamed Loxahatchee River provided the perfect backdrop for his survivalist lifestyle.

Building His Camp and Zoo
Trapper Nelsons ZooAround 1936, Trapper Nelson staked his claim on a piece of land along the Loxahatchee River. Here, he built a sprawling camp, using his skills as a carpenter to create wooden structures, including thatched-roof cabins and animal enclosures. Over time, his camp grew into a unique attraction, blending his rustic lifestyle with a small zoo that housed exotic animals, including alligators, raccoons, wildcats, and snakes.

Trapper Nelson’s zoo and camp became a must-see destination for tourists visiting the area. His rugged charm and “wild man” persona captivated visitors, earning him the nickname “The Tarzan of the Loxahatchee.” Wealthy socialites, celebrities, and locals would arrive by boat to visit his camp, marvel at the animals, and hear his tales of life in the wilderness. Trapper would entertain guests with his hunting stories and often sell animal pelts, fruits, and vegetables he cultivated on his land.

Land Acquisitions and Conservation Efforts
As his popularity grew, Trapper began acquiring significant tracts of land in the Jupiter area, eventually amassing over 800 acres. His keen understanding of the land’s ecological and monetary value made him a prominent figure in the community. He often used his earnings from the zoo and his trapping business to purchase more property, expanding his presence along the Loxahatchee River.

By the 1950s, however, Trapper Nelson’s life began to change. Increased regulation of trapping and animal exhibitions, along with the growing presence of modern civilization, made his way of life more challenging. His camp attracted scrutiny from authorities, and rumors of tax evasion and licensing issues added to his frustrations.

Selling His Land and Preserving the Loxahatchee River
In the late 1950s, as property taxes on his extensive land holdings increased, Nelson found it challenging to keep up with the financial demands. To alleviate this burden, he sold 200 acres to the Bessemer Corporation for $335,000; this area is now known as the Turtle Creek and Riverbend developments.

Following his death in 1968, Nelson’s remaining estate was sold by his family to a developer. Subsequently, the Florida Park Service acquired the estate through a land swap, incorporating it into Jonathan Dickinson State Park. This acquisition ensured the preservation of his homestead and the surrounding environment along the Loxahatchee River.

Therefore, while Nelson did sell a portion of his land during his lifetime to address tax obligations, the majority of his property became part of the state park after his death, contributing to the conservation of the area.

Mysterious Death
On July 23, 1968, Trapper Nelson was found dead at his camp from a shotgun wound. While his death was officially ruled a suicide, many in the community speculated about the circumstances, with some believing he was murdered. Trapper’s reclusive lifestyle, along with rumors of hidden wealth, fueled the mystery surrounding his death. Despite the questions that linger, Trapper Nelson’s legacy endures. After his death 5,000 coins were found hidden in his fireplace, which most think were from admission fees he charged.

Legacy
Today, Trapper Nelson’s camp is preserved as part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Visitors can tour the Trapper Nelson Interpretative Site, which provides a glimpse into the life of this remarkable man who became a local legend. You take take the tour pontoon boat, rent your own skiff, or paddle up in a kayak or canoe. His dedication to the preservation of the Loxahatchee River and his enduring image as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee” make him an unforgettable part of Florida’s history.

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