[em]As states vote to remove confederate memorials and statues, leave it to Florida to change the name of a park to further highlight said memorial (it used to just be called the Gamble Plantation). In fact, the state was working on legislation that would punish people for removing such monuments. That being said, northeast of downtown Bradenton, this is the oldest structure on the southwestern coast of Florida, an antebellum plantation home—something that’s rare in Florida. It was constructed during a 6-year period in the late 1840s by Maj. Robert Gamble, made primarily of “tabby mortar” (a mixture of oyster shells, sand, molasses, and water), with 10 rooms, verandas on three sides, 18 exterior columns, and eight fireplaces. Now maintained as a state historic site, it includes a fine collection of 19th-century furnishings. Entrance to the house is by tour only, although you can explore the grounds on your own.
Sarasota
Travel Guide
Sarasota› Attraction
Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation State Park
3708 Patten Ave. (U.S. 301), Ellenton, FL, USA
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Take U.S. 301 north of downtown to Ellenton; the site is on the left, just east of Ellenton-Gillette Rd. (Fla. 683).
Hours
Daily 8am-sunset; 30-min. guided house tour at Thurs-Mon 9:30 and 10:30am and at 1, 2, 3, and 4pm
Phone
941/723-4536
Prices
Tour $6 adults, $4 children 6–12, free for children 5 and under
Web site
Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation State Park
Map
3708 Patten Ave. SarasotaNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.