Hi All,
Another section of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is the Kingsley Plantation across the St Johns River on Fort George Island.
The main house was built by Revolutionary War veteran John McQueen in 1793. The plantation saw numerous owners through 1923. It is remembered as the Kingsley Plantation because Zephaniah and Anna Kingsley were by far the most interesting residents.
The main house
faces the Fort George River
and includes an ornate staircase built by the final occupant, John Rollins.
The kitchen was in a separate building behind the main house.
The stable and workshop were nearby.
Slave quarters were about 200 yards further from the river. These 25 structures are the largest collection of surviving slave quarters in America.
They are arranged in an arc, similar to the West African villages, where many of the slaves came from.
Oyster shell are the main component in "Tabby" construction.
Anna Kingsley was one of Zephaniah's slaves. When she turned 18, he freed her and married her. For many years she managed the plantation while Zephaniah traveled to manage others of his plantations.
After Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. In 1821, restrictive US laws regarding free blacks caused the Kingsley's to ultimately sell the plantation and move to Haiti.
A fascinating story and a fascinating place.
Love,
Sandy & Carl
Sandy & Carl
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502
Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone
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