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Historic site · Jacksonville, Florida
Kingsley Plantation
Former plantation on Fort George Island, part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, with the oldest surviving plantation house in Florida and the ruins of stone cabins where enslaved people lived.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation is located on the northern tip of Fort George Island, at the mouth of the St. Johns River, and is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The main house, dating from the late 18th century, is considered the oldest surviving plantation house in Florida.
The name comes from Zephaniah Kingsley, who purchased the plantation in 1814 and cultivated cotton, sugarcane, and citrus there using enslaved labor. Kingsley married Anna Madgigine Jai, born in Senegal and brought here in bondage; she was later freed and helped manage the property with him. The family’s and the enslaved people’s histories are presented in the exhibits.
The most striking features are the ruins of about 25 cabins made of tabby—a mix of shells, lime, and sand—arranged in a semicircle, where enslaved people lived. The site also includes the barn, the kitchen, and trails under live oaks.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when it’s cooler. Check hours before you go; access to the interior of the main house may be restricted.
How to get there
It’s on Fort George Island, about 40 km northeast of downtown Jacksonville via A1A. The last stretch is a narrow dirt road. There is no entrance fee.
Tip
Read the panels in front of the tabby cabins and, if available, join a ranger talk: the history told there is the core of the visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kingsley Plantation
What is Kingsley Plantation?
A former cotton plantation on Fort George Island, with Florida’s oldest plantation house and the ruins of tabby cabins where enslaved people lived.
Does Kingsley Plantation charge admission?
There is no admission fee. The site is managed by the National Park Service.
Where is Kingsley Plantation located?
On Fort George Island, about 40 km northeast of downtown Jacksonville.