Carl G. Rose was born on a farm in Indiana and moved to Florida in 1916 to supervise construction of the first asphalt road in Florida. Standard road materials appeared not to work well with asphalt paving and Rose began experimenting with limestone, found in abundance in north-central Florida. He realized the limestone-based soil would be ideal for raising livestock so he moved to Ocala in 1918 and began buying land. By the time he died in 1963, Rose was said to be responsible for the establishment of 30 Thoroughbred horse farms in Marion County. Throughout his life, Rose promoted agriculture in many ways – through improving pasture grasses, promotion of purebred cattle, organizing the Southeastern Livestock Show and Sale and working with FFA and 4-H clubs. In his business life, he was president of the Ocala Limerock Corporation, Marion Construction Company, Marion Motor Company, Ocala Insurance and Investment Company and Marimere Corporation.