The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park’s
grounds are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year and admission is free.
Driving directions:
Take Exit 224 from I-75. Head west for 1 mile on US 301.
Look for the Landmark’s white picket fence and turn right into the main park entrance.
Tour fees for the Mansion are:
$6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 6 - 12 year of age
Children under age 12 are free
Mansion is CLOSED - Tuesday and Wednesday
Tour times are:
Mornings: 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM
Afternoons:
1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00 PM everyday that the Visitor Center is open.
For additional information, please contact:
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
3708 Patten Avenue
Ellenton, Florida 34222
Phone: (941) 723-4536
It is highly recommended calling ahead to verify Tour times prior to making the trip!
The Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial
at
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Gamble Mansion, built between 1843 and 1850, has a very interesting and unique history. During the lifetime of this majestic edifice, it has been a home, a Confederate Commissary Agency, a hide-out, a fertilizer warehouse, and finally the greatest duty of all -- a Repository of Florida Southern History and Artifacts. This building is also the ‘oldest existing structure’ in Manatee County and the ‘last antebellum mansion’ on Florida's West coast. On August 12, 1970, the mansion was placed on the prestigious list - U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The mansion has been designated as the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial to commemorate the significant role Mr. Benjamin played in Southern History. In 1865, the Mansion provided sanctuary for a traveler named ‘Mr. Howard.’ This gentleman turned out to be none other than Judah P. Benjamin, Confederate Secretary of State for President Jefferson Davis.
During Mr. Benjamin’s stay, there were many tension-packed and suspenseful moments as he narrowly escaped capture by Union soldiers searching the area. Eventually, he made his way to England with the help of local residents where he became a barrister and then was appointed Queen’s Counsel.
His legal influence on both sides of the Atlantic was unchallenged. Judah P. Benjamin was considered to be one of the most versatile, cosmopolitan and imaginative men ever to serve the Confederacy or the American and British Bar.
Through the foresight of the local UDC chapter, this beautiful piece of architecture and its significant role in Confederate history has been preserved for posterity. In 1926, the Mansion and four acres were purchased for $3,200 and then deeded it to the State of Florida who, in turn, appropriated $10,000 for the building’s restoration.
The preservation and restoration of Gamble Mansion is a successful partnership between the State of Florida and the Florida Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Together, they are a team dedicated to ‘holding in Trust’ Florida’s cultural history.
The Gamble Plantation Preservation Alliance
is the Park’s Citizen Support Organization,
which raises funds to be used for the Mansion’s restoration and preservation.
The GPPA’s current project is to replacing and upgrading the Mansion’s textiles (curtains, rugs, linens, etc.).
A Memorial Garden (at the rear of the Mansion) has been established to assist in raising funds for needed Mansion on-site projects. By purchasing a Memorial Brick, you are assisting in the preservation of a precious piece of Florida’s unique cultural history.
To purchase your Memorial Brick, request a form:
eMail: CSAcantiniere@aol.com
