Gamble Plantation

This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day, Thursday through Monday and there are picnic tables on the grounds. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday; it is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year´s Day. Located in Ellenton on U.S. 301 East.

TOURS

Guided tours of Gamble Mansion are offered six times daily at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday. A Visitor Center with a museum is open Thursday through Monday, 9 a.m. - 11: 45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed and tours are not available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Group tours can be arranged by calling the park at (941) 723-4536.

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Tour Fees:

$6.00 per adult.

$4.00 per child.