Creation of the Historic State Park

By the mid-20th century, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognized the Gamble Plantation as a valuable cultural and educational resource. In 1970, the site was officially designated as Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, providing legal protection and funding for preservation.

The park included the mansion, outbuildings, and surrounding grounds. Restoration projects aimed to stabilize the tabby concrete structure, repair interiors, and recreate historical landscapes. Staff conducted archaeological surveys to better understand the lives of both the Gamble family and the enslaved people who worked the plantation.

Interpretation of Slavery and Antebellum Life


Modern interpretation at the Gamble Plantation State Park emphasizes both the grandeur of antebellum architecture and the reality of enslaved labor. Educational programs highlight the contributions and hardships of enslaved African Americans, offering tours, lectures, and exhibits that contextualize the human cost of plantation wealth.

Living history demonstrations, including blacksmithing, sugar processing, and domestic chores, provide immersive experiences that reveal daily life for both the planter family and the enslaved community. This dual focus ensures that visitors understand the plantation as a complex site of privilege, labor, and social hierarchy. shutdown123

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *