Visit Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, FL

Many Florida visitors spend the majority of their time out in the sun enjoying the sand and surf. However, you can find may more things to do in Jacksonville, FL besides the beach—especially if you’re a fan of the outdoors or local history. One such historical site is the Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island.

It’s no secret that many early landowners in the south lived on large plantations. Kingsley Plantation was owned from 1814 to 1837 by the Zephaniah Kingsley family. The plantation was largely managed by Kingsley’s wife, Anna, who Kingsley originally purchased as a slave and was then later freed by her husband in 1811. Anna became a landowner and oversaw her own slave population in a time where the racial and political climate was unstable at best.

While Anna and the rest of the Kingsley family were not widely known in the United States, their story does represent courage and determination in a difficult age in Florida. You can get a piece of their history and a glimpse into their bravery by visiting Kingsley Plantation. The grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The house is available for tours on a limited basis on the weekends only, but during the week, you can still tour the barn, slave quarters, interpretive garden, and waterfront. You can also take a free audio tour called “The Lion’s Story Teller.” Check out the Kingsley Plantation website for more info.

If you need a van rental to get to the plantation or to get around Jacksonville, Carl’s Van Rentals can help you out. We have minivans that are great for families or a few people as well as passenger vans that easily accommodate larger groups. Take a look at our rental options and current specials, and then contact Carl’s of Jacksonville, FL, at (904) 727-3848 to reserve your van, and start exploring the greater Jacksonville area.