What is trapper nelson?

Trapper Nelson, whose real name was Vincent J. Nelson, was an American outdoorsman and entrepreneur who lived in the early 20th century. He was known for his rugged lifestyle and exceptional wilderness survival skills. Nelson was born in 1883 in New Jersey and spent much of his life living off the land in the Florida Everglades.

Nelson gained notoriety for his self-built home in the Everglades, known as The Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site, which he constructed from cypress wood using traditional tools and techniques. He also operated a popular tourist attraction there, offering guided tours, boat rides, and wildlife encounters. Nelson was a skilled hunter, trapper, and fisherman, providing for himself and his visitors by living off the abundant natural resources of the Everglades.

Trapper Nelson was also a colorful character known for his eccentric personality and love of solitude. He became somewhat of a local legend in the area and was often called "The Wildman of the Loxahatchee." Tragically, Trapper Nelson's life came to a sudden end in 1968 when he was found dead in his cabin, having died from a gunshot wound. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, and his legacy as a pioneer of the Florida wilderness lives on.