Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Historic Spanish Point

Florida’s Gulf Coast from Prehistory to Pioneer Days

Sep 24, 2008 Rosanne Knorr

Historic Spanish Point is a hidden gem encompassing centuries of Florida history just south of the city Sarasota, in Osprey, Florida.

The 30-acre Historic Spanish Point property on Little Sarasota Bay is a tranquil environment of paths set under oaks draped with Spanish moss where visitors can stroll through history from 3000 B.C. to the pioneer days to the late 20th century.

The Prehistoric Section includes archaelogical remains of the early Indians who began living in this area over five thousand years ago. Visitors can see the Burial Mound and two middens, called the Archaic Midden and the Shell Ridge Midden which are accumulations of bone, shell, pottery and other artifacts of daily life here. The Window to the Past is especially interesting since it is located inside the prehistoric Indian midden, presenting a view into it along with presentations and exhibits about the prehistoric dwelling and lifestyle of these early inhabitants.

Pioneer Days from 1867 to 1910 are represented by the homestead of John and Eliza Webb and their five children who named “Spanish Point” for the land’s jut into the bay. Visitors can see the Guptill House, the restored home of home of Frank and Lizzie Webb Guptill, now furnished to represent the pioneer era. The Webb Packing House shows how the Webbs prepared their citrus fruit for packing shipping. Also on view is Mary’s Chapel named for a young woman who died while staying at Webb’s resort and the Pioneer Cemetery, where Webb family and other pioneers are buried.

Bertha Palmer was a Chicago socialite who created a winter estate here called “Osprey Point” here in the early 20th century. She was active in this area, planning real estate development, cattle ranches and citrus farms. Fortunately, she preserved the remnants of prior Spanish Point inhabitants from prehistory and pioneer days on the property. She added to it with the White Cottage plus formal lawns including the Sunken Garden and Pergola which are now restored for visitors.

Natural Wonders include the Butterfly Garden where visitors can walk among the winged beauties that are attracted by the nectar plants that attract the numerous Monarch, Zebra Longwing, Swallowtails and other butterflies. Scenic mangroves with their massive, sculptural roots can be found near Cock’s Footbridge over Little Sarasota Bay.

Here’s How to Visit

Spanish Point is located at 337 North Tamiami Trail in Osprey, Florida just south of Sarasota. Start at the Visitors Center which is an Osprey School building from the 1920’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can find orientation brochures, an exhibit gallery and a gift shop. Spanish Point is open to visitors Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For information call: (942) 966-5214.

The copyright of the article Historic Spanish Point in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Rosanne Knorr. Permission to republish Historic Spanish Point in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sarasota Bay