Just Some Florida History

We decided to venture away from Myakka for the day but stayed within the Florida Parks system. Florida has established a number of smaller parks that are noted for their recreational facilities, historic homes, and ancient culture. Many years ago I bought a Florida Passport book which shows and gives a brief description of each park. Three parks we ventured out to see were Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Gamble Plantation Historic State Park. All these sites are just north of Bradenton so not a long drive on such a beautiful day.

The Madira Bickel Ceremonial Mound is only part of an extensive ancient Native American village and mound complex. It consists of sand, shells, and village debris. The building on top of this mound was a ceremonial structure or a residence for an important person. The mound measured 20 feet tall and 1700 square feet at its base. During excavation of the site it has been established that three different Native American cultures have been found at this site dating back 2,000 years. Unfortunately, there really wasn’t much to see, early residential development and road construction has eliminated much of the site.

What it looked like

What it looks like today

Top of the mound...Lots of shells

The Terra Ceia Preserve State Park consists of 200 acres of mangroves and wetlands and is in a state of habitat restoration. In 1843 homesteaders began to claim local land under the Armed Occupation Act (AOA) of 1842. Land was slashed and burned to make way for the farming of fruits and vegetables. In 1909 Terra Ceia Estates built an extensive show home which was later bought by DG Haley in 1919. By 1972 the property was sold to developers and then abandoned. It became overgrown with exotic vegetation. Today the exotic plants have been eliminated and Terra Ceia Preserve is being restored to its native habitat. Again there wasn’t much to see, we were not allowed on the property or in the house. However, the history was interesting and also seeing the restoration process was great.

The Haley House today

Saving the best for last we grabbed a quick bite to eat then moved on to the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park. After the Second Seminole War (1836-1842) ended congress passed the AOA granting settlers 160 acres of land if they would live on it for 5 years. In 1843 Major R. Gamble claimed his land along the Manatee River in hopes to harvest sugar cane. His plantation grew to 3,500 acres. His mansion was built by local craftsmen and slave labor over the course of six years. However, natural disasters and a declining sugar market pushed Gamble into debt by 1856 causing him to sell in 1859.

The Gamble House before restoration

In 1873 Major G. Patten bought the property for $3000. However, he was unable to maintain the large decaying mansion and abandoned it. The United Daughters of the Confederacy purchased the property and deeded it to the State of Florida in 1925. The Gamble House has been fully restored to its previous appearance.

Gamble House today

Cistern water supply

Sugar Cane Press

Large bowls to catch liquid sugar

Also on the property sits The Patten House which was built in 1895 by Dudley Patten, the youngest son of George and Mary Patten. The original house consisted of four rooms, additions were added in later years.

Original Patten House before additions

After additions and restoration

Gamble Plantation is the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida. The visitor center houses a small but extremely informative museum that depicts life along with its challenges on the 19th century Florida plantation. Also there are several artifacts displayed from the time.

Florida $2 bill

Confederate $2 bill

All in all it was a wonderful day of exploration. If I did not have my little passport book I probably would never have known about these places. Got to love it.