Category: National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores

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Florida Jacksonville National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Discover Historic Kingsley Plantation

Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation from the waterfront.

Kingsley Plantation is the oldest remaining plantation home in the state of Florida.  It was once the home to Zephaniah Kingsley, a slaver who established plantations between South Carolina and Spanish Florida.  The home is maintained by the National Park system as part of the Timucuan Preserve.  It is a great place for visitors to stop in and learn about our nation’s dark past. 

The site features 25 of the remaining 32 slave quarters, the main house, a barn, and a dock.  There is plenty of signage throughout the site that tells the story of the people that once lived and worked here.  Access to the main home is limited in order to help preserve the home.  However, the ruins of the slave quarters are available to tour.

A restored slave cabin at Kingsley Plantation

Who was Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr?

Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr was a quaker born in England.  When he was a child, his family immigrated to South Carolina.  He was a slave trader and merchant who built several plantations in Spanish Florida.  

Kingsley established Kingsley Plantation where he resided for 25 years.  Kingsley was known for being a “lenient slaveholder”.   He “allowed” his slaves to be hired out for odd jobs and gave them the opportunity to purchase their freedom. 

The slaves who worked on the plantation followed the task system.  Each had a quota that they had to achieve each day- once they met their quota they were free to go about their day. Some of the slaves had personal gardens which they tended and sold their vegetables.

The plantation owner was also in favor of interracial marriage… and polygamy.  Four of his enslaved women served as his concubines.  He had nine children from these relationships.

Kingsley claimed to have married one of these women.  1806, on a trip to Cuba, he purchased Anna Madgigine Jai, a 13-year-old girl from what is now Senegal.  In 1811, he petitioned the colonial Spanish government to grant Anna and their three children freedom.  Once Anna gained her freedom, she was awarded five acres in Florida.  She purchased slaves to help farm it.

The Kingsley’s owned several plantations included one on Drayton Island, Laurel Grove, Kingsley Plantation, and several locations on the opposite side of the St. Johns River including St. Johns Bluff, San Jose, and Beauclerc.  

Kingsley Plantation

Kingsley Plantation main house and walkway to the kitchen.

In 1814, Kingsley and his wife, Anna, moved to a plantation on Fort George Island.  The island is located in modern-day Jacksonville, Florida.  The plantation featured a main house and a two-story structure called “Ma’am Anna House” where Anna and her four children lived.

Thirty-two cabins were constructed from tabby about 1/4 mile from the main house.

The plantation produced oranges, cotton, indigo, okra, and other vegetables.  

Where is the Kingsley Plantation Located?

Kingsley Plantation is part of the Timucuan Preserve.  The plantation home is located on Jacksonville’s northside just off of Heckscher Drive.  

Address: 
11676 Palmetto Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32226

The Timucuan Preserve is managed by the National Park Service and includes Fort Caroline National Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Area, American Beach, and Cedar Point. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.

 

Visiting the Kingsley Plantation

Kingsley Plantation is open from  9 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday through Sunday.  

It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.   It is open on MLK Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.  

Learn more about Florida’s National Parks!

Things to Know Before Visiting Kingsley Plantation

The Best Time to Visit Kingsley Plantation

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

There is no fee to enjoy this park.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

Parking for Kingsley Plantation is available in a dirt lot near the plantation home.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on all trails and outside areas however, they are not permitted indoors.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Orlando, FL – 145 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 225 miles
  • Miami, FL – 355 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 360 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 390 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 505 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

What is there to do Nearby?

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Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Florida Jacksonville National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Fort Caroline- Jacksonville’s Great Mystery

Lady Belle enjoying her visit to Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline is one of the places that I have been visiting since my childhood. In fact, it’s only about 10 minutes from the house I grew up in. Fort Caroline is known as the Atlantis of Florida because nobody knows where its actual location truly was. Perhaps, it was actually hidden in the woods in my backyard the whole time!

Firing Cannons at Fort Caroline National Memorial

When most people think about forts in northeast Florida, they picture the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos or the Civil War era Fort Clinch. It is often forgotten that the French had a short tenure in the area before they were almost completely wiped out by the Spanish.

The French in Florida

In 1562, the French landed on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day northeast Florida. The encampment was to be a safe haven for Huguenots who were being persecuted in France because they were Protestants, rather than Catholics.

The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

The French came into conflict with the Spanish who established St. Augustine in 1565. Fort Caroline was ambushed by the Spanish, led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 20th. The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.

What is Fort Caroline National Memorial?

The exact location of the fort is unknown. In 1953 the National Park Service established the Fort Caroline National Memorial along the southern bank of the St. John’s River near a point that commemorates René Goulaine de Laudonnière’s first landing. This structure is a replica of the fort, based on sketches of the 16th-century structure and believed to be a one-third scale model of the original. It is surrounded by hiking trails and other noteworthy historical sites on the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The preserve includes; the Theodore Roosevelt Area, with five different Florida ecosystems visible in one hike; the Fort George Island Visitor Center, which describes the natural and cultural history of the preserve’s island home; and Kingsley Plantation, which includes the oldest standing plantation house in Florida as well as several original slave quarters. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.

Visiting the Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline is easily accessible, although it does require a short walk down a well-beaten path through the woods to access to fort.

Along the way, visitors will pass recently renovated replicas of Timucua structures including two huts and a canoe made out of a hulled-out tree. The Timucua were indigenous people that live in Northeast and North Central Florida and Southeast Georgia. The Huguenots befriended the Timucua and these structures serve as a symbol of their relationship.

The triangular wooden open-air structure is located on the banks of the St. Johns River. Throughout the fort, you’ll find signage explaining the history of the French Huguenots and their short stint in Florida.

Our kids had a blast climbing the steps, pretending to fire the cannons, and running up and down the embankments.

Fort Caroline is pet-friendly. In fact, our pups love hanging out at the fort and spending time on the trails nearby. If you bring your pooch, please make sure they are on a 6-foot leash, and be sure to clean up after then.

There’s an easy-to-moderate 1.3 mile hiking trail that loops from the parking lot, past the Timucua structures, by the fort, through the woods, and back to the parking lot. The trail is easy to navigate and is quite enjoyable

Visitors Information

Physical Address:

12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Phone:

904-641-7155

Learn more about Florida’s National Parks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Fort Caroline

The Best Time to Visit Fort Caroline National Monument

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

There is no fee to enjoy this park.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

Parking for Fort Caroline is plentiful. It can be found directly in front of the Visitor’s Center.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on all trails and outside areas however, they are not permitted indoors.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Orlando, FL – 145 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 225 miles
  • Miami, FL – 355 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 360 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 390 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 505 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Caribbean National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation: St. John, USVI

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

At its prime, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of the top sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. St. John is located in what is now known as the US Virgin Islands. Today, all that remains of the plantation are the ruins of a windmill, slave cabins, and a handful of other buildings made from coral. Not only are the grounds and ruins beautiful, but the views are too! It’s so hard to believe that this paradise once brought people so much pain.

The View from Annaberg Sugar Plantation, St. John, USVI

Go and see the ruins but stay for the views. Tortola appears so close that you can almost touch it! Looking out from Annaberg, you can see Leinster Bay, the Sir Frances Drake Channel, and a few other British Virgin Islands.  

The History of Slavery in St. John

In 1717, 20 Danish planters came over from St. Thomas to settle and begin developing the area. Slaves grew sugar cane, cotton, and other crops. Sadly, by 1733 there were 109 plantations on the island.

In 1733, the slaves of St. John started a rebellion. Armed with cane knives (similar to machetes) they stormed Fort Frederiksvaern. After killing 5 of the 6 Danish soldiers at the fort, they fired the cannon signaling a six-month revolt. The revolt ended when French troops came over from Martinique. The slaves died by suicide before the French forces reached them.

At the height of the slave era, there were more than 2,604 slaves on the 19-square-mile island. When Denmark emancipated slaves in 1848, the plantations were abandoned.

The History of Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Way back in 1780, Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. The plantation, which encompassed 518 acres, also produced molasses and rum. Not surprisingly, slave labor was used to plant, harvest, and process sugar cane. The island wasn’t the ideal location for agriculture; the hills were too steep, and the soil was thin and rocky. Slaves worked painstakingly to terrace the slopes of the property so they could be farmed.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Windmill Ruins, St. John, USVI

The windmill is one of the focal points of the site. It was built between 1810 and 1830 and stood 38 feet high, making it one of the largest on the islands. At times, when there was no wind, horses or mules were used to work the mill. Slaves would pass sugar cane stalk through the rollers and a box at the bottom caught the juice. The mill could produce between 300 and 500 gallons of juice each hour.

Next, the juice was then boiled to remove excess water until it became concentrated through heating and evaporation. Lastly, the juice was then placed into a box to crystalize.

Eventually, when slavery was abolished in 1848, the plantation was divided into smaller farms.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins, St. John, USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation Today

Today, the plantation ruins are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. Trees now stand where the terraces that were carved into the hillsides once were. There is a trail that leads through factory ruins, slave quarters, a windmill, and other ruins. There are placards and signs along the paths that describe how the sugar was produced and shares what life might have been like on the plantation and on the island.

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is made up of 7,259 acres of sheer beauty. In fact, more than 60% of the island of St. John is protected by the National Park system. The park also includes the reefs that surround the island, as well. Annaberg Sugar Plantation and Trunk Bay are two of the highlights of the park.

Other Ruins on the Island

If you’re interested, there are ruins scattered all around the island. Annaberg and the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins are some of the best-preserved.

Hours

The park is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

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Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI

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Categories
Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John USVI

Trunk Bay, St. John- One of the Top 10 Beaches in the World

Virgin Islands National Park

Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Of course, this is rightfully so! Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. John. I mean…come on, just look at the place. It’s ridiculously photogenic! Tourists crowd the north shore road overlook to snap a digital memory of this breathtaking beach.

The History of St. John, USVI

St. John is one of the US Virgin Islands (USVI)- an unincorporated territory of the United States. The other islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and many other smaller islands. The island is located just 4 miles east of St. Thomas, home of the territory’s capital, Charlotte Amalie. Interestingly, it is also 4 miles southwest of Tortola, which is part of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

There is evidence of civilization as early as the 700s. Christopher Columbus sailed past St. John on his second voyage in 1493, but he never came ashore.

Zoom forward to 1671 when the Danish West India Company settled in the area. By 1673 they had established the African slave market. In 1717 20 Danish planters came over from St. Thomas to settle and begin developing the area. Slaves grew sugar cane, cotton, and other crops. The Annaberg sugar plantation was built in 1731 and became one of the largest sugar producers in the world. Sadly, by 1733 there were 109 plantations on the island.

In 1733 the slaves of St. John started a rebellion. Armed with cane knives (similar to machetes) they stormed Fort Frederiksvaern. After killing 5 of the 6 Danish soldiers at the fort, they fired the cannon signaling a six-month revolt. The revolt ended when French troops came over from Martinique. The slaves died by suicide before the French forces reached them.

At the height of the slave era, there were more than 2,604 slaves on the 19 square mile island. When Denmark emancipated slaves in 1848, the plantations were abandoned.

In 1917, the United States purchased the islands for $25 million from the Danish government. Talk about a bargain!

St. John Today

This island is quite possibly the most perfect island on the planet. It is amazingly beautiful- soft white sand, vibrant blue water, and lush green hills. One of the cool things about St. John is that a majority of the island (about 60%) is protected by the National Park Service. What does this mean? It means that most of the island is undeveloped in has been left in a pristine, beautiful, unspoiled condition.

Trunk Bay from the Overlook

Aside from it’s Good Looks, What Else Does Trunk Bay Have to Offer?

The crescent-shaped stretch of sand that makes up Trunk Bay is the most visited beach on the island. It has been consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World. Uh, let me just tell you, it is NOT overrated!

Trunk Bay is popular for several reasons; pillow-soft white sand, crystal clear water, good looking lifeguards, accessibility to concessions, and my favorite- an underwater snorkeling trail. The snorkeling course is located just offshore. It takes snorkelers around the Trunk Cay inlet and grants them glimpses of tropical fish and the reef. There are underwater placards that give information about what they are viewing and about the island itself. The course takes about an hour to swim. The area is looked over by lifeguards making it a safe, fun activity for visitors.

There is a snack bar that serves lunch and snacks, so don’t worry about bringing along something to eat. There are also restrooms and showers available.

Visitors are also able to rent snorkel gear, if you do not have your own. I always bring my full face snorkel mask along

Booking an Excursion vs. Going On Your Own

If you’re a cruiser, you’re in luck! All of the major cruise lines that stop in St. Thomas offer excursions to St. John and/or Trunk Bay. Prices tend to vary between $69 and just over $100 USD.

Of course, you don’t have to rely on the cruise line to get you there. In fact, you’ll save money and have more time on the island if you go at it on your own. Almost all excursions use the Red Hook Ferry service to get to St. John. It is important to note that if you book an excursion through your cruise line they offer a guarantee to not leave your behind should you experience any delays in getting back to the ship.

If you choose to head out on your own, take a cab from the cruise ship terminal (either Crown Bay or Charlotte Amalie) to the Red Hook Ferry terminal. The trip should cost you about $15 per person.

The View from the Outlook

From here, there are two options for the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. The most common option leaves from Red Hook and takes about 20 minutes. It costs $6.  The ferry leaves Red Hook at: 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm. The return ferries from Cruz Bay are are at: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm.The other option is a single ferry that leaves Charlotte Amalie at 10 AM. The return ferry leaves Cruz Bay at 3:45 PM. The ferry takes 45 minutes and costs $12.

Getting to Trunk Bay…

Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, grab a cab to the beach. The beach is only about 3 miles away so the fare is cheap- about $6. Ask your taxi driver if they can make a pitstop at the lookout so you can snap one of those iconic photos.

The gorgeous water at Trunk Bay

Since the Beach is part of the Virgin Islands National park, there is an admission charge of $5 per adult to enter. If you have a US National Park Pass, admission is free.

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Updated: 7/6/22

Categories
Alaska Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Juneau National Forest National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

The Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

If you’re gearing up for an Alaskan cruise this summer, chances are you’ll be paying a visit to the capital city of Juneau. While you’re in town, we suggest making a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most popular attractions in the area. We highly suggest that you make a pit stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn all about the glacier and the surrounding area.

What is the Mendenhall Glacier?

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the many large glaciers that flow from the 1500 square mile area known as the Juneau Icefield. Around 3,000 ago, the earth experienced the Little Ice Age. When the climate warmed, much of the ice sheet melted back and exposed the valleys that we see today.

The glacier is located in Tongass National Forest. It is about 1.5 miles wide and more than 100 feet high.

How do I access the Mendenhall Glacier?

We took a quick 12-minute bus ride from the capital city of Juneau to Tongass National Forest. A roundtrip bus ticket from downtown will cost you about $30. You can also take a taxi, which runs about $35 each way.

We departed via bus from downtown Juneau to head out to Tongass National Forest. You won’t believe what happened as we were driving through the downtown streets! A black bear ran right in front of our bus! The bear was on a mission to chow down some skunk cabbage on the side of the road. Our guide said it was his first black bear of the season. It was such a cool sight!

The $5 entrance fee (ages 16+) covers admission to the Observatory building, as well as access to the trails and viewing areas. 

How cold is it on the Glacier?

Even if it’s a balmy 70 degrees in Juneau, you’ll want to pack a jacket. Temperatures on and around the glacier will most likely be around 32 degrees, or possibly cooler depending on the winds.

Highlights of the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

Learn All About the Glacier and Surrounding Forest

The Visitor Center building has several exhibits that breakdown how the terrain and landscape have changed over time. There are photos that show how much the glacier has changed and receded since the center first opened in 1962.

There’s also a 15 minute documentary that shows the changes, as well.

Hike the Photo Trail

Okay… even if you’re not a hiker, you’ll most definitely want to walk the 1/3 mile path along the Photo Trail. The trail is a paved walkway that gives you absolutely remarkable glimpses of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Get Up Close & Personal With a Waterfall

Nugget Falls

One of the highlights of our visit was the 2-mile hike on the Nugget Falls Trail. The trail took us to the 377-foot Nugget Falls and the base of the Mendenhall Glacier. The view couldn’t have been more photogenic with bald eagles flying around, the falls pounding into Mendenhall Lake and the glacier as the backdrop.

The water from the falls actually comes from Nugget Glacier, which is upstream from Mendenhall Glacier. It’s one of the 38 glacier that make up the Juneau Ice Field. There are also more impressive views of the Mendenhall Glacier from this location.

Hit the Other Trails

There are four other hiking trails that cover about six miles worth of terrain. Some of them are even paved, making them a bit easier to navigate. Make sure to grab a map from the visitor’s center before you venture out on your own.

It is strongly recommended that you remain alert and are aware of your surroundings. There’s a chance of running into bears while you’re out in the forest- they’re hungry and on the hunt for food! In fact, no food or drinks (other than water) is allowed on the trails during peak season due to bear activity. If you’re hitting the trails, make sure to pack some bear spray (yes, that’s a thing!), a bear horn, and a good pair of hiking shoes or boots.

Where can I see these bears?

Black bears are often seen close to the parking lot near the Steep Creek Trail. There are several boardwalks near creeks that can give you aerial views of bears fishing in the creek.

While in Juneau…

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Updated: 12/14/2020

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