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Historic Architecture

Exploring Florida’s Historic Treasures: A Journey Through Time and Architecture

by Kim
written by Kim

Florida’s Historic Landmarks and Points of Interest

Fernandina Beach: A Walk Through History

For visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Florida’s rich architectural heritage, Fernandina Beach’s historic streets beckon. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, the city boasts an impressive collection of 55 well-preserved blocks showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Victorian to Mission-style.

Gainesville: Exploring the “Talking Walls”

Those seeking a more offbeat destination should venture to Gainesville, where the Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation awaits. Built in 1854 as a sprawling cotton plantation, this 1,500-acre estate was once home to Thomas Evans and his wife, Serena Chesnut Haile. Today, the homestead stands as one of Florida’s last remaining antebellum homes, but its true distinction lies in its “Talking Walls.” The walls of almost every room are adorned with over 12,500 words, a testament to the Haile family’s unique habit of scribbling their thoughts and experiences directly onto the walls.

Homestead: Marveling at America’s Stonehenge

A visit to Homestead would be incomplete without experiencing the enigmatic Coral Castle, often referred to as America’s Stonehenge. Originally known as Rock Gate Park, this site is the remarkable creation of Edward Leedskalnin, a diminutive immigrant who single-handedly carved and sculpted over 1,100 tons of coral rock into an array of structures, including a rocking chair, fountain, heart-shaped dining table, sundial, and obelisk. The monumental project, completed over nearly 30 years, is said to have been inspired by Leedskalnin’s unrequited love, who jilted him at the altar.

Exploring Fernandina Beach’s Architectural Gems

  • Amelia Island Lighthouse: Climb to the top of this iconic lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and marshes.
  • Fort Clinch State Park: Step back in time at this historic fort, where you can explore Civil War-era fortifications and learn about the area’s military history.
  • Fernandina Beach Museum of History: Delve into the rich past of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Unveiling the Secrets of Gainesville’s Historic Haile Homestead

  • Guided Tours: Embark on a guided tour of the homestead to discover the fascinating history of the Haile family and their unique “Talking Walls.”
  • Self-Guided Exploration: Explore the homestead at your own pace, taking in the intricate carvings and reading the poignant words inscribed on the walls.
  • Special Events: Attend special events held at the homestead throughout the year, such as history reenactments and craft demonstrations.

Discovering the Enigmatic Coral Castle in Homestead

  • Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the mysterious origins of the Coral Castle and the life of its enigmatic creator, Edward Leedskalnin.
  • Self-Guided Exploration: Wander through the site at your leisure, marveling at the intricate coral sculptures and pondering the secrets they hold.
  • Nighttime Tours: Experience the Coral Castle under the moonlight during special nighttime tours, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its already captivating atmosphere.
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Natural Disasters

Hurricane Florence: Preparations by Cultural Institutions, Landmarks, and Zoos

by Peter
written by Peter

Hurricane Florence Preparations by Cultural Institutions, Landmarks, and Zoos

Zoos and Aquariums

As Hurricane Florence approaches, zoos and aquariums across the southeast are taking steps to protect their animals. The Virginia Zoo and Aquarium is moving its animals into secure buildings and assembling a team to monitor generators and weather conditions. The Virginia Zoo’s 500+ critters and the Virginia Aquarium’s thousands of marine animals will be sheltered indoors.

Similarly, the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, has begun moving its birds indoors. Other zoos, including the Lynnwood Park Zoo in North Carolina and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, have closed in preparation for the storm.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Museums and cultural institutions across the Carolinas and Virginia are also closing ahead of the storm’s arrival. In North Carolina, the North Carolina Maritime Museums, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Ackland Art Museum are among the many museums shutting their doors.

In South Carolina, the Patriot Points Naval and Maritime Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, and the South Carolina State Library are closing. The Chrysler Museum of Art, Glass Studio, and historic houses in Virginia are also locking their doors.

Historic Landmarks

Major tourist sites and historical landmarks are also readying themselves for the worst. Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a thriving tourism industry and is home to Civil War icon Fort Sumter and Revolutionary War bunker Fort Moultrie. Both forts, as well as the numerous national parks in the area, have been closed since Tuesday.

Universities and Research Institutions

Higher education institutions are also taking precautions. The College of William & Mary, the College of Charleston, and North Carolina State University have canceled classes and/or evacuated students. Researchers at affected universities are scrambling to protect their work. NC State toxicologist Heather Patisaul has moved her “most precious samples” to freezers with backup power generators.

Public Events and Gatherings

Many public events and gatherings have been postponed or canceled in anticipation of Florence. Singer-songwriter J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, which was expected to bring 35,000 people to Raleigh, has been canceled. SPARKcon, an annual arts festival in Raleigh, has also been postponed.

Lessons from Past Hurricanes

Some are looking to the past to learn from previous storms. The Wrightsville Beach History Museum in North Carolina has an exhibit describing past hurricanes and their impact on the area. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 caused more than 17-feet storm surges, while Hurricane Floyd in 1999 brought 10-feet surges. Florence is expected to produce storm surges of up to 13 feet.

Potential Impact of Hurricane Florence

Experts are comparing Florence to Hurricane Hugo, which made landfall north of Charleston in 1989. Hugo damaged or destroyed over 100,000 homes and caused $6.9 billion in damage. Florence could be even more devastating, as its deluge is expected to extend inland for hundreds of miles, flooding rivers and streams in the Carolinas.

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