In 1843 Robert Gamble homesteaded 160 acres of land along the Manatee River with the intention of establishing a sugar plantation and shipping the sugar to New Orleans. The plantation house, finished in 1850, was built of tabby with slave labor. Rapid expansion over the next ten years included acquiring about 3,000 more acres and hundreds of slaves, but in 1856, unable to pay his debts Gamble sold the property. The house which was unoccupied for many years was bought by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state who restored it in 1927. In addition to the house the park has a small visitor center, a picnic area and a few pieces of sugar mill machinery on the grounds. Tours of the house are $6.00. The visitor center and grounds are free.
The visitor center is accessible. The first floor of the house is accessible. The ramp to access the porch and front door is on the side of the house where the cistern is located. The second floor is not accessible but a book with photographs is available.
RVs can be parked in the picnic area under the trees or in the grass. Park
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