Purchased as a slave, Kingsley's wife, Anna Madgigine Jai, was freed
in 1811. She was active in plantation management and became a successful
business woman owning her own property. As an American territory, Florida
passed laws that discriminated against free blacks and placed harsh restrictions
on African slaves. This prompted Kingsley to move his family, impacted
by these laws, to Haiti, now the Dominican Republic, where descendants
of Anna and Zephaniah live today.
LOCATION
Kingsley Plantation is at the northern tip of Ft. George Island at the
Ft. George inlet east of Jacksonville off Florida A1A.
ADDRESS
Kingsley Plantation
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
13165 Mount Pleasant Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
TELEPHONE
(904) 251-3537
OPERATING HOURS
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed December 25.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. In
winter, freezing temperatures are infrequent with cool, damp, and windy
conditions common. Light, loose fitting clothing is recommended in Spring,
Summer, and Fall; layered clothing is recommended for Winter, with good
walking shoes. Biting insects are common all year and are especially heavy
from late April through early June.
DIRECTIONS
The preserve is in the northeast portion of Jacksonville (Duval County),
Florida. From Interstate 95, exit on Heckscher Drive (FL 105); follow Heckscher
East to Florida 9A. Continue straight on Heckscher about nine miles; turn
left at the NPS sign onto Fort George Island; follow signs, the road leads
directly to the plantation parking lot.
TRANSPORTATION
Jacksonville International Airport is northwest of the park. Jacksonville
is served by Amtrak and Greyhound Bus lines. Personal or rental vehicles
are required to reach park areas.
FEES, COSTS, RATES
All normal park activities are free.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Trails, Roadways Programs, Activities
The drive into Kingsley Plantation is along a scenic, narrow
(and sometimes bumpy), dirt road. Stately sabal palms line the historic
road as it nears the plantation entrance. The historic site of today is
on about 25 acres of mostly open land. One trail takes visitors from the
planter's home to the slave quarters; the return trail winds slightly through
the forested landscape. The total loop is approximately one-third mile.
The site is self-guiding and a staff member is available throughout the
day. Scheduled Ranger talks are posted on-site. Call ahead for current
schedule.
Food, Supplies
Restaurants, fast food, convenience stores, and grocery stores are
located within or near the park.
Other concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities
A bookstore, operated by Eastern National Park and Monument Association,
is located in the Visitor Center at Kingsley Plantation. More than 80 titles
or theme related items are available. They include Florida history, slavery
and related topics, area guidebooks, children's titles, NPS publications,
maps and interpretive objects.
Accessibility
The Kingsley Plantation is an historic site with maintained grounds
and historic structures. The parking area is centrally located. The exhibit
areas in the planter's house and kitchen house are reached via a wheelchair-accessible
pathway and ramp. The slave quarters have a separate parking area and are
generally accessible to all visitors, however, weather and impacts from
wildlife may make mobility difficult in some places. The rest rooms are
located near the planter's house with the path and facilities fully accessible.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Reservations for educational groups are taken in advance and available
on a first call basis. Reservations should be made as early as possible.
Written requests for special park uses should be made at least one month
in advance. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For information
about these areas and for fee schedules, please call park offices.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Special events are held at Kingsley Plantation in February
and December.
VISITOR IMPACTS
The historic structures at Kingsley Plantation have been visited by
thousands of people as a state historic site and NPS area. The primary
impact has been to the tabby slave houses. Tabby is a poured concrete-like
material made of oyster shell lime, sand, and water. The 160-year old structures
have begun to erode from natural forces that are accelerated when touched.
These structures are considered the most significant physical resource
at the site. Visitors are asked to view the unusual structures but not
to touch or damage them in any way.
ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES
Fort Caroline National Memorial ; Castillo
de San Marcos National Monument (St. Augustine, 45 miles); Fort
Matanzas National Monument (St. Augustine, 55 miles); Cumberland
Island National Seashore (St. Marys, GA, 41 miles); Historic
Jacksonville; Talbot Islands State Park (partially within the
Preserve, contact station on Highway A1A, 8 miles from Kingsley Plantation);
Fort Clinch State Park (Fernandina, 20
miles).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Write: Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
13165 Mount Pleasant Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
Or call (904) 641-7155 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, daily.
