Historic Spanish Point

Osprey, Florida: Historic Spanish Point opened their doors this weekend for free admission to the 30 acre living history museum. Rain on Saturday cleared the way for a sunny Sunday as we took to the trails to explore the property.

Historic Spanish Point has a deep history. The point on Little Sarasota Bay was once the site of a thriving Native American village. Remnant of this village can be found through the middens and burial mounds found on the property. A midden is the equivalent of a modern day landfill. These mounds contain shells, crushes pottery and other waste from the village. Here at Spanish Point, you can look inside a midden through the Windows to the Past exhibit. Archaeologists have cleared away a cross section of the midden and its contents can be seen through the glass wall of the exhibit. There is also a ritual burial mound found here at the point.

The next group of inhabitants to the point were the pioneers. The pioneer chapter of history opened in 1867 when John Webb relocated his family from New York to Spanish Point. They farmed the land, packaged the goods and transported them via a vessel they created. They also created the Webb’s Winter Resort, a precursor to today’s winter tourism. Today you can tour the Guptill House, Pioneer Boat Building Shop, the Packing House, the cemetary and more pioneer buildings on the point.

The final chapter of the Spanish Point story comes via socialite Bertha Palmer. Mrs Palmer purchased 350 acres of land including Spanish Point in 1910. She added many gardens to the point and used the area for entertaining guests. Her additions can be seen at the Pergola and Sunken Gardens which is a popular attraction at Spanish Point. Mrs Palmer dies in 1918 and the winter estate was turned over to her family. The family eventually gave the site to the Gulf Coast Heritage Association in 1980.

Today, visitors of Spanish Point can take a one mile walk though the 30 acre property and get a glimpse of history from the Native American through the Palmers. Historical actors and docents provide detailed accounts of life at Spanish Point, making the history come alive.

Historic Spanish Point is open seven days a week and admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children.

Click on the photos above to view my Historic Spanish Point photo gallery.