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All Articles for : historical_sites
Be Your Own Indiana Jones
Where there’s history, there’s a treasure trove of stories. Take an Ancient City tour in St. Augustine. Stroll the old streets, climb aboard the trolley tour and stay up late for a ghost tour.
Tags: history, historical_sites,
Everything Old is New Again
According to longtime club member Chris Kelly, the somewhat kitschy lure of shuffleboard attracts all sorts of people and has been the foundation of many friendships and love affairs.
Tags: St_Petersburg, history, historical_sites, hotels, dining, nightlife, music, shopping,
Funky Florida
There is nothing else like the Miami River Circle in the continental United States. It is America's Stonehenge, the only known ancient structure we have cut into bedrock.
Tags: Miami, Sarasota, Homestead, Fort_Myers, St_Augustine, historical_sites,
Portals to the Past
Some are pyramid shaped and many were ceremonial. While most of the stories and rituals have been lost to time, there is enough left for us to literally step back 1,000 years.
Tags: history, historical_sites, Crystal_River, Tallahassee, Cedar_Key, Englewood, DeLand, Fort_Walton_Beach,
Been There, Haven't Done That!
You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions. Now it's time to go off the beaten path. On your next Florida excursion, plan for some extra travel time to visit these offbeat, quirky roadside attractions.
Tags: dining, museums, history, historical_sites, nature, parks, culture, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Fort_Walton_Beach, Marianna, Milton, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, water_sports, Cross_Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Suwannee, Tallahassee, White_Springs, Steinhatchee, Amelia_Island, beaches, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palatka, St_Augustine, Crystal_River, St_Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Park, Hobe_Sound, Okeechobee, Ponce_Inlet, Sebastian, Stuart, Titusville, kayaking, Vero_Beach, Bradenton, Clewiston, Punta_Gorda, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Florida_Keys, Miami, Key_West, Homestead, Palm_Beach, Marathon, BeenThere, Monticello,
Springhill Baptist Church in Perry
The "Cypress Logging" panel honors the mostly African American laborers who contributed to the local lumber industry.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Famous Names of Southwest Florida
After a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, you may be inspired to go home and tinker with any crumb of an idea.
Tags: Fort_Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Captiva_Island, history, historical_sites,
Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts
Throughout the settlement, there are not only pictures that say a thousand words about rural life and folk arts, there are also objects that tell entire tales.
Tags: history, Daytona_Beach, historical_sites, culture,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in Lake Worth
One of the largest memorials commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this park contains numerous plaques and photos honoring Dr. King’s life, family, speeches and the civil rights movement.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, historic_districts, Lake_Worth, West_Palm_Beach, Delray_Beach, museums,
Florida Keys Home to Many African American Historic Sites
Established by both black and white Bahamians, the congregation of Trinity Presbyterian Church was truly integrated, with no designated seating.
Tags: Florida_Keys, Marathon, Key_West, African_American, historical_sites, historic_districts,
Lincoln Memorial Park in Dade County
Once one of the major centers of entertainment for blacks, this building housing The Lyric Theater is the lone survivor of the “Little Broadway” district that flourished in Overtown for almost 50 years.
Tags: parks, African_American, historical_sites, historic_districts, Miami,
St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church in Dania
In the early 1950s the northern tip of what is today John U. Lloyd Beach State Park was purchased by the Broward County Commission for use as the “Colored Beach.” Beachgoers took a ferry to reach the beach until a road was built in the 1960s.
Tags: Dania_Beach, African_American, historical_sites, Fort_Lauderdale, museums,
Grover and Pearl Koons House in Sarasota
Payne AME Chapel is a symbol of the focus of black spiritual life.
Tags: African_American, Sarasota, historical_sites, history,
Fort Myers Centennial Park
At Centennial Park, a single black soldier standing before a wall with a gate represents the gateway to freedom from slavery.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, history, Fort_Myers,
Collier County Museum
Permanent displays at the Collier County Museum trace the history and development of Collier County from prehistoric times to the present and include an exhibit on the role of Black Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).
Tags: African_American, Naples, historical_sites, history, museums,
The Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County
Since Russell’s death, the Blanchard House Museum has been operated as an open access, educational institute devoted to the procurement, preservation, study and display of artifacts and materials related to the history, culture and contributions of African Americans in Charlotte County.
Tags: African_American, Punta_Gorda, historical_sites, history,
Fort Pierce Was Home to Zora Neale Hurston
This museum and gallery features the work of Backus as well as that of a number of Highwaymen artists
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, history, art, museums, Fort_Pierce,
The Old Macedonia Colored Church in Gifford
On February 18th, 1907, Murray E. and Sara Braddock Hall, members of early white families, donated land for the Macedonia Colored Baptist Church in Sebastian.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Cocoa's Hilltop Cemetery Established in the 1880s
The Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Center is a repository of Moore family artifacts, historical documents, and features a timeline of strategic events of the pre-civil rights era beginning with slavery.
Tags: Titusville, African_American, Merritt_Island, Melbourne, Cocoa, historical_sites, historic_districts,
Dade Battlefield State Park
When slavery was abolished in 1865, the Royal community was founded by former slaves from the old Green Plantation located near the Withlacoochee River.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, history,
Sanford's Little Red School House
Constructed in 1913, th St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church is the work of African American architect Prince W. Spear.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Sanford,
The Brown Home in Bartow
One of four all-black regiments in the regular army at the outbreak of the Spanish American War, the 10th Cavalry camped on the shore of Lake Wire in the spring of 1898 while awaiting transport to Cuba.
Tags: Lakeland, Lake_Wales, African_American, historical_sites, history,
Kissimmee's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
This one-story Masonry Vernacular church was constructed in 1916.
Tags: African_American, Kissimmee, historical_sites,
The Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville
In 1887 Eatonville was the first of the African American formed communities to incorporate with an all black government.
Tags: Eatonville, African_American, historical_sites, historic_districts, history, Orlando, Winter_Park,
West Ocala's Historic District
The only surviving brick 19th century religious structure in Ocala, the present Gothic Revival church stands behind the site of the original white frame building.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, historic_districts, Ocala, Dunnellon,
The Townsend House in Clermont Serves as a Museum
The Townsend house was moved to its present location, restored and now serves as a museum featuring artifacts and history of early settlers and residents.
Tags: African_American, history, historical_sites, Mount_Dora,
First Missionary Baptist Church in Sebring
Hopewell School was the first public school for African Americans in Avon Park, serving for many years as the center for educational, cultural and social activities.
Tags: , historical_sites, Sebring,
Pinellas County African American History Museum
The Sulphur Springs Depot is a 1924 wood-frame railroad depot typical of rural stations in the south that required separate facilities for white and “colored” passengers during segregation.
Tags: St_Petersburg, Tarpon_Springs, African_American, historical_sites, history,
The Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church of Dade City
Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church's present building, dedicated in 1920, was the first Protestant church of masonry construction in Pasco County.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Dade_City,
The St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Plant City
With its large sanctuary, balcony and basement, the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church was the site of numerous civil rights meetings in the 1950s and 1960s.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, history,
Brooksville's Bethlehem Progressive Baptist Church
According to oral histories, Frank Saxton, a white man, built this church in 1861 for his former slaves
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, history,
St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church in St. Augustine
At St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, on June 9, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., told 500 supporters that he would participate in a sit-in at a motel restaurant the next day, anticipating correctly that he would be jailed.
Tags: St_Augustine, African_American, parks, historical_sites, history,
Palatka's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Established in 1892, Central Academy became the first accredited Negro high school in Florida in 1924.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Palatka,
The Williams House of Fernandina Beach
Though Jefferson Davis stayed at this 1859 Antebellum mansion when he was president of the Confederacy, it later became part of the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves. The secret room used for that purpose is still in existence.
Tags: Amelia_Island, African_American, historical_sites,
Kingsley Plantation Historic Site in Jacksonville
Visitors at the Kingsley Plantation can explore the plantation house, remains of 23 tabby construction slave quarters, a barn, waterfront, kitchen house and interpretive garden.
Tags: African_American, history, historical_sites, Jacksonville,
Joseph Green House in Orange Park
Completed in 1938, Orange Park Negro Elementary School represents one of the few buildings constructed by the school board in the 1930s.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Olustee's Battlefield State Park
This site commemorates the February 20, 1864, Battle of Ocean Pond.
Tags: African_American, parks, historical_sites, history,
Old Shadeville High School Marker in Crawfordville
A monument was placed at the site of the former school in 1992 by Shadeville High School Alumni.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Greenville is Home to Ray Charles Memorial Statue
“This monument is dedicated to the former slaves of Madison County, their supporters and the unsung heroes who gave their prayers, blood, sweat and tears to help make our community what it is today.”
Tags: Madison, historical_sites, African_American,
Tallahassee's Diverse Historical Sites
The Integration Statue recognizes three of the first African American students to enroll and graduate from Florida State University in the 1960s.
Tags: Tallahassee, African_American, history, historical_sites, museums,
The Elizabeth School in Monticello
In 1936, African American students in grades one through twelve consolidated in this public school building from the Masonic Lodge, Bethel AME Church and Miss Lenora Mills’ store.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Monticello,
Jasper's Post Office Features 1942 Murals
The Jasper Post Office was built with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds in the 1930s. Pietro Lazzari’s 1942 tempura murals depict workers managing cotton, tobacco and turpentine crops.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, White_Springs,
The Good Shepherd Lodge of Quincy
The Stevens School was built for all grades in the 1920s Foundation. Dr. William Spencer Stevens became the first African American to open a medical practice in Quincy.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Quincy,
Trinity United Methodist Church of Lake City
Gothic architectural style and stained glass windows distinguish the Trinity United Methodist Church as a historic landmark in Lake City.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Gainesville's Institute of Black Culture
The Dunbar Hotel was the only African American hotel in Gainesville in the early 20th century. The Dunbar family welcomed touring musicians, educators, businessmen and their families.
Tags: African_American, Gainesville, museums, historical_sites,
Washington County's Historic Church and School Buildings
Moss Hill United Methodist Church is one of the nation’s best examples of frontier church architecture.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites,
Defuniak Springs' Tivoli School Building
Tivoli School opened in 1912 to serve black students in elementary and junior high grades.
Tags: African_American, DeFuniak_Springs, historical_sites,
Santa Rosa County's Historic Churches
The Mount Pilgrim African Baptist Church is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture designed by Wallace A. Rayfield, a leading African American architect in the South during the early 20th century.
Tags: African_American, historical_sites, Milton,
Greenwood's Renaissance Park Offers Annual Community Festival
Each year in September and December, a community festival takes place as African American tradition bearers demonstrate folk life traditions of pig picking, hog dressing, sausage making and soap making.
Tags: African_American, festival, historical_sites, Marianna,
George Washington High School in Port St. Joe
George Washington High School began in a wooden building located near Main Street and Avenue G around 1940.
Tags: Port_St_Joe, historical_sites, history, African_American,
Fort Gadsden in Apalachicola National Forest
Fort Gadsden and the remains of the Negro Fort are found in the wilderness of the Apalachicola National Forest.
Tags: history, historical_sites, Apalachicola, African_American,
Historic African American Sites in Pensacola
Built in 1895, the historic Kate Coulson house is now home of the African American Heritage Society’s resource center.
Tags: history, historical_sites, African_American, Pensacola,
The Rosenwald School of Panama City
The original Rosenwald School building, which served black students during segregation, still remains on its original site.
Tags: history, historical_sites, Panama_City, African_American,
A Vintage Cape Canaveral Tour
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex pays tribute to circa-1960s space culture, especially in its collection of rare memorabilia at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Tags: Cocoa_Beach, Titusville, Kennedy_Space_Center, historical_sites, history,
Fun Under Five Bucks
Whether you want to sightsee, brush up on some history or just relax on a white-sand beach, Florida offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose that are all under $5.
Tags: nature, family, history, historical_sites, historic_districts, art, culture, tours, Scenic_Highway,
Pensacola's Underwater Treasures
Divers went down. Target 2 turned out to be a ship that carried bricks and probably dates from just before the Civil War. Target 17 turned out to be the mother lode, the X on the treasure map, the find of the century.
Tags: history, museums, historical_sites, diving, Pensacola,
The Spirit of Luxury at the Belleview Biltmore
Ten French doors led into a large enclosure housing the art-deco tiled indoor pool, complete with elegant columns, potted palms and lounge chairs. There was also a fully equipped exercise room and full service salon on-site.
Tags: Clearwater, resorts, luxury, history, historical_sites, tours,
Finding the Real Florida
Long before Pilgrims got their feet wet arriving at Plymouth Rock, Florida had a Spanish city named St. Augustine, complete with settlers, soldiers and plenty of parties on payday.
Tags: history, historical_sites, St_Augustine, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Everglades_National_Park,
Historical Hotspots in Florida's Capital
Each January, 150 varieties of camellias burst into full bloom and the Maclay House, a historic hunting lodge turned winter residence turned museum, opens for tours (through April). It's a sure sign that spring has sprung in Tallahassee.
Tags: Tallahassee, history, historical_sites, museums, gardens,
Florida's Grand Dames
The 1920s ushered in the golden years. Stocks were high, dresses were short and Florida grew some of its most regal hotels.
Tags: hotels, resorts, history, historical_sites, Mount_Dora, St_Augustine, Clearwater, Palm_Beach, Apalachicola, Charlotte_Harbor, Sebring, Key_West, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Tampa, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Boca_Raton, Clewiston, St_Pete_Beach,
Following the Seminole Trail
Why not take my family on a driving tour of all the Seminole historic sites in Florida? What better way to learn about our state than to combine a history lesson with a family vacation?
Tags: history, historical_sites, culture, Inverness, Islamorada, Clewiston,
Art All Around Us
One of the oldest Colonial buildings in St. Augustine, the Prince Murat House, is named for Prince Achille Murat (Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew) and contains antiques that have some historical connections to the Murat family.
Tags: architecture, Miami, tours, historical_sites, Pensacola, Seaside, Lakeland, Sarasota, Palm_Beach, Boca_Raton, Winter_Park, St_Augustine, canoeing, kayaking,
Daytona Luxe
Iron security gates guard the restored home and its regally appointed guest accommodations (think cedar-lined closets, antique furnishings and gold-plated bathroom fixtures), all within walking distance of the beach.
Tags: historical_sites, Daytona_Beach, luxury, art, shopping, history, bed_and_breakfasts, spas, culture, lighthouses, beaches, museums,
Where the Posh Play
Get a sense of Palm Beach’s wealth simply by driving along the island’s avenues, trying to guess which fortress wall or towering, maniacally manicured hedge conceals which celebrity home.
Tags: luxury, shopping, museums, Palm_Beach, hotels, historical_sites, art, driving_tours,
Shipwrecked
I’m talking Florida shipwrecks, where crystalline waters harbor wrecks teeming with marine life, and the history books have plenty of colorful stories to tell.
Tags: snorkeling, Florida_Keys, Key_West, Key_Largo, Daytona_Beach, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, boating, historical_sites, history, diving,
Life in the Slow Lane
At the nearby Yearling Restaurant, I got acquainted with some cheese grits, super-sized hush puppies and tender morsels of batter-fried ’gator tail. Clever displays of memorabilia and the house musician, veteran bluesman Willie Green, make this rustic roadhouse an irresistible diversion.
Tags: historical_sites, Micanopy,