| Walking Tour |
| Reflections of Manatee |
| Education ● Protection ● Preservation ● Conservation ● History |
| Walking Tour |
1. Manatee Mineral Spring
Still flowing underground at this spot, this natural spring has been an important
resource for many peoples. Archaeologists have found evidence of Native American
Mounds here. In the 1810s, historians have documented a community, called Angola,
of formerly enslaved Africans and “Black Seminoles” near this area. Allies of Andrew
Jackson destroyed Angola in 1821, but Josiah Gates and Miles Price reported
cultivated fields just south of here in 1841; they were guided by Phillipi Bermudez,
Manuel Olizella, and Miguel Guerrero, Spanish fishermen, who were very familiar with
the Manatee River area. Gates was one of the first settlers of Manatee, along with
Surveyor Samuel Reid and a group of fifteen white males, ten black males, two black
females, and four black children. At the time when Gates came to the spring, it was a
twelve-foot pool of water that boiled out from a depth of four feet from a white sandy
bottom. The Spring House (Summer House) built later, stood here prior to 1900.
These students from Manatee Academy are pictured in 1910 in this ornate structure
on a school outing.
Still flowing underground at this spot, this natural spring has been an important
resource for many peoples. Archaeologists have found evidence of Native American
Mounds here. In the 1810s, historians have documented a community, called Angola,
of formerly enslaved Africans and “Black Seminoles” near this area. Allies of Andrew
Jackson destroyed Angola in 1821, but Josiah Gates and Miles Price reported
cultivated fields just south of here in 1841; they were guided by Phillipi Bermudez,
Manuel Olizella, and Miguel Guerrero, Spanish fishermen, who were very familiar with
the Manatee River area. Gates was one of the first settlers of Manatee, along with
Surveyor Samuel Reid and a group of fifteen white males, ten black males, two black
females, and four black children. At the time when Gates came to the spring, it was a
twelve-foot pool of water that boiled out from a depth of four feet from a white sandy
bottom. The Spring House (Summer House) built later, stood here prior to 1900.
These students from Manatee Academy are pictured in 1910 in this ornate structure
on a school outing.
2. Early Manatee 1842 - 1859
Henry and Ellen Clark homesteaded the spring site in 1842. Under the Armed Occupation Act setters could claim 160 acres, build a
cabin and live there for five years. Clark built a trading post and in 1846 contracted Thomas Kenny, blacksmith and master
shipbuilder, to construct a schooner for him. The Atlanta transported molasses from the river to markets in New York. It was lost
with all hands, including William Gamble, in a hurricane on its return voyage. Clark died in 1850. Ellen Clark remarried settler
Captain Archibald McNeill in 1853. They lived in the Gamble Plantation
Henry and Ellen Clark homesteaded the spring site in 1842. Under the Armed Occupation Act setters could claim 160 acres, build a
cabin and live there for five years. Clark built a trading post and in 1846 contracted Thomas Kenny, blacksmith and master
shipbuilder, to construct a schooner for him. The Atlanta transported molasses from the river to markets in New York. It was lost
with all hands, including William Gamble, in a hurricane on its return voyage. Clark died in 1850. Ellen Clark remarried settler
Captain Archibald McNeill in 1853. They lived in the Gamble Plantation
Dr. Franklin Branch purchased the site from Ellen Clark in 1850. It was his intention to treat patients with white plague,
(tuberculosis) using the spring water.
Dr. Branch constructed a fort of Palmetto logs surrounding his houses. Settlers called it Branch Stockade or Camp Manatee. It
served as refuge from attacks by Seminoles, during the Third Seminole Uprising of 1856. The fort and surrounding plantations
were protected from nine months to two years by the US Army. Settlers from as far as Peas Creek, the Myakka River Valley,
Sarasota Bay, and the surrounding Manatee Village came to the site known by the military as Camp Manatee. According to a
military report given by J. B. Scott, he was to guard six plantations and the stream boat landing, located on both sides of the river
and with a five mile radius of each other. Under his charge was approximately 250 white and 150 black people, who camped
around the fort and vicinity. The residents used Palmetto Thatch huts for dwellings. His soldiers constructed a log warehouse with
a tarpaulin roof to store supplies, and were camped south of the settlers who camped facing the river. He requested board
flooring for his soldier’s tents and carts to carry water from the spring to his camp south of the spring. Dr. Branch was contracted
as Army Doctor for the soldiers. He also delivered three babies who were born during their stay.
On December 05, 1859, Dr. Branch sold his holdings to John Curry. Dr. Branch moved to Fort Brooke with his son who became
Mayor of Tampa.
(tuberculosis) using the spring water.
Dr. Branch constructed a fort of Palmetto logs surrounding his houses. Settlers called it Branch Stockade or Camp Manatee. It
served as refuge from attacks by Seminoles, during the Third Seminole Uprising of 1856. The fort and surrounding plantations
were protected from nine months to two years by the US Army. Settlers from as far as Peas Creek, the Myakka River Valley,
Sarasota Bay, and the surrounding Manatee Village came to the site known by the military as Camp Manatee. According to a
military report given by J. B. Scott, he was to guard six plantations and the stream boat landing, located on both sides of the river
and with a five mile radius of each other. Under his charge was approximately 250 white and 150 black people, who camped
around the fort and vicinity. The residents used Palmetto Thatch huts for dwellings. His soldiers constructed a log warehouse with
a tarpaulin roof to store supplies, and were camped south of the settlers who camped facing the river. He requested board
flooring for his soldier’s tents and carts to carry water from the spring to his camp south of the spring. Dr. Branch was contracted
as Army Doctor for the soldiers. He also delivered three babies who were born during their stay.
On December 05, 1859, Dr. Branch sold his holdings to John Curry. Dr. Branch moved to Fort Brooke with his son who became
Mayor of Tampa.
Sugar Cane Field
Sugar cane was the main cash crop of the early settlement. The larger planters, like Wyatt, Craig and the Gambles, cultivated
100s of acres while men like Josiah Gates and Dr. Branch operated on a smaller scale. However, large or small, all these
producers utilized enslaved Africans to clear the wilderness, cultivate the fields, and serve in their households.
Sugar cane was the main cash crop of the early settlement. The larger planters, like Wyatt, Craig and the Gambles, cultivated
100s of acres while men like Josiah Gates and Dr. Branch operated on a smaller scale. However, large or small, all these
producers utilized enslaved Africans to clear the wilderness, cultivate the fields, and serve in their households.
3.The Curry Settlement
In 1859, the Branches sold their property to Capt. John Curry. Originally from the
Bahamas, the 29 member Curry family moved here from Key West. Capt. Curry built
several houses with the help of his in-law, Joseph Bartlum, famed for the Bahama
Houses in Key West. The Curry museum houses are the oldest Curry structures left
within the original settlement of Manatee.
During the Civil War, or War Between the States, the Curry family was committed to
the Confederacy. Capt. Curry owned many ships, which he sold to the Confederacy.
One of these ships, The Ariel, was captured and later used in more than 100
skirmishes against the Confederacy. John W. Curry, two of his brothers and other
settlers were enlisted in the “Home Guard” providing cattle and provisions to the
Confederacy.
In 1864, Union soldiers came ashore destroying the Curry sawmill and gristmill.
Later Joseph Francis Bartholf, of Key West and Capt. of the 2nd Regiment of Black
Union Soldiers, used one of the Curry houses as headquarters while his soldiers
camped on Curry property searching for Confederate activities.
Capt. Archibald McNeill and Capt. John Curry orchestrated the escape of Judah P.
Benjamin, Secretary of the Confederacy, with the help of Fredrick Tresca, Hiram
McLeod and Ezekiel Glazier. He escaped from Whitaker Bayou in a small boat
provided by Capt. Curry that was later traded to Curry’s in-law at Indian Key.
In 1859, the Branches sold their property to Capt. John Curry. Originally from the
Bahamas, the 29 member Curry family moved here from Key West. Capt. Curry built
several houses with the help of his in-law, Joseph Bartlum, famed for the Bahama
Houses in Key West. The Curry museum houses are the oldest Curry structures left
within the original settlement of Manatee.
During the Civil War, or War Between the States, the Curry family was committed to
the Confederacy. Capt. Curry owned many ships, which he sold to the Confederacy.
One of these ships, The Ariel, was captured and later used in more than 100
skirmishes against the Confederacy. John W. Curry, two of his brothers and other
settlers were enlisted in the “Home Guard” providing cattle and provisions to the
Confederacy.
In 1864, Union soldiers came ashore destroying the Curry sawmill and gristmill.
Later Joseph Francis Bartholf, of Key West and Capt. of the 2nd Regiment of Black
Union Soldiers, used one of the Curry houses as headquarters while his soldiers
camped on Curry property searching for Confederate activities.
Capt. Archibald McNeill and Capt. John Curry orchestrated the escape of Judah P.
Benjamin, Secretary of the Confederacy, with the help of Fredrick Tresca, Hiram
McLeod and Ezekiel Glazier. He escaped from Whitaker Bayou in a small boat
provided by Capt. Curry that was later traded to Curry’s in-law at Indian Key.
4. Manatee Mineral Spring Homestead
After the war, Curry sold the spring site to Dr. George Casper (Cooper) who constructed the home on the corner of 4th Ave and
14th Street. He disappeared and William H. Whitaker and Mary Jane (Wyatt) obtained the property.
In 1895, Samuel Gates, grandson of Josiah Gates who married Lula Curry, bought the house and constructed the porches as a
gift to his bride. He bottled spring water and sold it to local hotels and operated a celery farm. He was known as the celery king.
After the war, Curry sold the spring site to Dr. George Casper (Cooper) who constructed the home on the corner of 4th Ave and
14th Street. He disappeared and William H. Whitaker and Mary Jane (Wyatt) obtained the property.
In 1895, Samuel Gates, grandson of Josiah Gates who married Lula Curry, bought the house and constructed the porches as a
gift to his bride. He bottled spring water and sold it to local hotels and operated a celery farm. He was known as the celery king.
5. Masonic Lodge
Manatee Lodge No. 31 was chartered on January 14, 1853, and its first meeting was held on the third floor of Josiah Gates'
home, the first settler in Manatee County. Previously meetings were held in the parlor of Dr. Franklin Branch, the first Worshipful
Master and the first medical doctor in the Manatee settlement. The first Senior Warden was Joseph Braden, of which
Bradenton is named after. The first Junior Warden was Robert Gamble, who served as an officer in the second Seminole
Indian War. Gamble of "Gamble Plantation" built his wonderful mansion directly across the river. It is the only surviving
antebellum plantation in South Florida. Six of the first ten were of the Curry family. The early settlers of Manatee County were all
connected to the Masonic Lodge. It was Masons who built this community.
Manatee Lodge No. 31 was chartered on January 14, 1853, and its first meeting was held on the third floor of Josiah Gates'
home, the first settler in Manatee County. Previously meetings were held in the parlor of Dr. Franklin Branch, the first Worshipful
Master and the first medical doctor in the Manatee settlement. The first Senior Warden was Joseph Braden, of which
Bradenton is named after. The first Junior Warden was Robert Gamble, who served as an officer in the second Seminole
Indian War. Gamble of "Gamble Plantation" built his wonderful mansion directly across the river. It is the only surviving
antebellum plantation in South Florida. Six of the first ten were of the Curry family. The early settlers of Manatee County were all
connected to the Masonic Lodge. It was Masons who built this community.
6. The “Union Congregation”
(Manatee United Methodist Church)
The Union Congregation, later called the Manatee United Methodist Church, was built
here in 1849, on land donated by Dr. Franklin Branch. The building had holes in the
floors at the rear for tobacco spitting. The women complained that pigs were drawn to
the tobacco, and in 1860, Ezekiel Glazier was commissioned to build a new church
that would double as a courthouse. That building has been moved to the Historical
Village Park, across SR64. The early settlers lives centered around the church.
(Manatee United Methodist Church)
The Union Congregation, later called the Manatee United Methodist Church, was built
here in 1849, on land donated by Dr. Franklin Branch. The building had holes in the
floors at the rear for tobacco spitting. The women complained that pigs were drawn to
the tobacco, and in 1860, Ezekiel Glazier was commissioned to build a new church
that would double as a courthouse. That building has been moved to the Historical
Village Park, across SR64. The early settlers lives centered around the church.
8. Graham/Davis Home
Capt. Hartwell Davis built this mansion on Main Street (15th) and the Manatee River for Judge
Graham in 1903. It was the first house to be electrified. John A. Graham founded the Manatee
Light and Traction Company in 1903 to build an electric power plant an run a street car line from
Fogartyville, through Bradentown and on to Manatee. Passenger and freight traffic was
seasonal. The electric transformer located in the basement powered the trolley that ran between
the town long dock and Fogartyville. Tabby ruins of the dock can be seen at the shore today. The
trolley line ended in 1906 and the tracks were taken up.
Capt. Hartwell Davis built this mansion on Main Street (15th) and the Manatee River for Judge
Graham in 1903. It was the first house to be electrified. John A. Graham founded the Manatee
Light and Traction Company in 1903 to build an electric power plant an run a street car line from
Fogartyville, through Bradentown and on to Manatee. Passenger and freight traffic was
seasonal. The electric transformer located in the basement powered the trolley that ran between
the town long dock and Fogartyville. Tabby ruins of the dock can be seen at the shore today. The
trolley line ended in 1906 and the tracks were taken up.
7. Gates Homestead
This home stands much as it did when it was constructed in 1876, complete with its
original fireplace and barrel marks on the floor. Sheriff Josiah Olin Gates lived in this
house. He served as sheriff from 1913 to 1920, when the new brick courthouse with
jail was built. Born a Manatee County native in 1874, he was the grandson of the first
permanent white settler in the county after the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. Called
J.O., to distinguish him from the original Josiah Gates, he was later known as "Uncle
Joe". He claimed to have driven the first car across the wooden 1910 Davis Toll Bridge.
After his term as sheriff, he became a state prison inspector. His large size and
strength helped him there and he held the job for 27 years.
This home stands much as it did when it was constructed in 1876, complete with its
original fireplace and barrel marks on the floor. Sheriff Josiah Olin Gates lived in this
house. He served as sheriff from 1913 to 1920, when the new brick courthouse with
jail was built. Born a Manatee County native in 1874, he was the grandson of the first
permanent white settler in the county after the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. Called
J.O., to distinguish him from the original Josiah Gates, he was later known as "Uncle
Joe". He claimed to have driven the first car across the wooden 1910 Davis Toll Bridge.
After his term as sheriff, he became a state prison inspector. His large size and
strength helped him there and he held the job for 27 years.
9. Wyatt Plantation
Colonel William Wyatt and his sons came to Manatee in 1843. The Wyatt plantation, which was all
that part of the Manatee Hammock lying between the Foster and Gates Plantations. He earned the
rank of Colonel during his military service in the Second Seminole War 1835-1842. He and his
entire family immigrated from Tallahassee and were pioneer settlers in the village of Manatee. He
was, perhaps, the most successful sugar planter in Florida, making more in proportion to the labor
employed, than any of his neighbors.
A favorite pioneer story tells of the day that young Mary Jane Wyatt saw a man waving from the other
side of the Manatee River. She thought it was Ezekiel Glazier so she rowed across. Instead it was
Chief Billy Bowlegs and a group of Seminoles. They wanted to get to the spring and its healing
waters. The men spent days camped by the Wyatt’s, a surprise to her father and brothers when they
returned home. Mary Jane was famed as the bravest girl in the settlement.
Colonel William Wyatt and his sons came to Manatee in 1843. The Wyatt plantation, which was all
that part of the Manatee Hammock lying between the Foster and Gates Plantations. He earned the
rank of Colonel during his military service in the Second Seminole War 1835-1842. He and his
entire family immigrated from Tallahassee and were pioneer settlers in the village of Manatee. He
was, perhaps, the most successful sugar planter in Florida, making more in proportion to the labor
employed, than any of his neighbors.
A favorite pioneer story tells of the day that young Mary Jane Wyatt saw a man waving from the other
side of the Manatee River. She thought it was Ezekiel Glazier so she rowed across. Instead it was
Chief Billy Bowlegs and a group of Seminoles. They wanted to get to the spring and its healing
waters. The men spent days camped by the Wyatt’s, a surprise to her father and brothers when they
returned home. Mary Jane was famed as the bravest girl in the settlement.
10. Lee Property
The oak tree in the middle of 16th street was the corner
fence post of Rev. Edmund and Electa Lee's property.
Electa was the first schoolteacher of the settlement.
Edmund was a Presbyterian Minister who also ran a
store. He was known for having grand but foolish ideas,
such as building a long wharf where the pickets were
narrower than the gaps in between. This project was
added to the list of “Lee’s Follies.” The drawing is of the
Lee house.
The oak tree in the middle of 16th street was the corner
fence post of Rev. Edmund and Electa Lee's property.
Electa was the first schoolteacher of the settlement.
Edmund was a Presbyterian Minister who also ran a
store. He was known for having grand but foolish ideas,
such as building a long wharf where the pickets were
narrower than the gaps in between. This project was
added to the list of “Lee’s Follies.” The drawing is of the
Lee house.
| Ellen Farley Clark McNeill |
| Dr. Franklin Branch |
| Sugarcane field |
| Captain John Curry |
| The Ariel |
| Joseph Francis Bartholf |
| Judah P. Benjamin |
Josiah Gates
| Sheriff Josiah Olin Gates |
John A. Graham
| Mary Jane Wyatt Whitaker |
| Chief Billy Bowlegs |
As you take this walk and read about families, places, dates, and stories, remember that these short paragraphs
are only small bits of what we know; the things we know are only small bits of the lives that were lived here; and
that “here” is only a small bit of an admittedly small settlement, but one that was connected to a much larger
Caribbean and Atlantic story. Early settlers came from North Florida, Key West, the Mississippi Valley, New
England, and around the South. They also came from Ireland, England, Bavaria, Nova Scotia, Germany, the
Canary Islands, and the Bahamas. A third of the population came from Africa.
Many settlers knew each other before they got here and continued to build family ties through marriages
within the community. It is their stories, told through letters and reminiscences, that we know the best.
During your walk we encourage you to enjoy the stories we know, but also try to imagine the voices of all the
peoples who have lived on the shores of the Manatee River.
are only small bits of what we know; the things we know are only small bits of the lives that were lived here; and
that “here” is only a small bit of an admittedly small settlement, but one that was connected to a much larger
Caribbean and Atlantic story. Early settlers came from North Florida, Key West, the Mississippi Valley, New
England, and around the South. They also came from Ireland, England, Bavaria, Nova Scotia, Germany, the
Canary Islands, and the Bahamas. A third of the population came from Africa.
Many settlers knew each other before they got here and continued to build family ties through marriages
within the community. It is their stories, told through letters and reminiscences, that we know the best.
During your walk we encourage you to enjoy the stories we know, but also try to imagine the voices of all the
peoples who have lived on the shores of the Manatee River.
14. The Lone Grave
Col. James C. Vanderipe is buried here in what is called the "Lone Grave."
He is buried alone while his second wife and her family were buried in the rear of the Lee
property. Rev. Lee took a dislike to his son-in-law “for making bad debts” after he put him in
charge of the Lee store. Ironically, today James has three head stones and the Lee’s family
graves have none.
Col. Vanderipe served during the 3rd Seminole Uprising under John Addison's Company
April 8-to Oct. 7, 1856 John Parker's Company Oct. 8, 1856-Dec.15,1856. He enlisted in
Kirby's Smith's Division of Confederate States Army. He served as the Manatee Post Master
after the war. In 1862, He married Flora McLeod and they had four children. Flora died in 1871
and 1 year later he married Sarah Lee, only daughter of Rev. Edmund Lee.
Col. James C. Vanderipe is buried here in what is called the "Lone Grave."
He is buried alone while his second wife and her family were buried in the rear of the Lee
property. Rev. Lee took a dislike to his son-in-law “for making bad debts” after he put him in
charge of the Lee store. Ironically, today James has three head stones and the Lee’s family
graves have none.
Col. Vanderipe served during the 3rd Seminole Uprising under John Addison's Company
April 8-to Oct. 7, 1856 John Parker's Company Oct. 8, 1856-Dec.15,1856. He enlisted in
Kirby's Smith's Division of Confederate States Army. He served as the Manatee Post Master
after the war. In 1862, He married Flora McLeod and they had four children. Flora died in 1871
and 1 year later he married Sarah Lee, only daughter of Rev. Edmund Lee.
11. Mrs. R. B. Foster House
This home was purchased by Mrs. R.B. Foster who ran the Manatee Hotel. Her husband R.B. Foster was the nephew
of the Fosters who built Fair Field Acres of Braden Plantation. Widow Foster moved into the home in 1899 when the
fair field mansion burned.
More to come.
This home was purchased by Mrs. R.B. Foster who ran the Manatee Hotel. Her husband R.B. Foster was the nephew
of the Fosters who built Fair Field Acres of Braden Plantation. Widow Foster moved into the home in 1899 when the
fair field mansion burned.
More to come.
13. William Richard Whitaker House
William Richard Whitaker was named after his grandfather and was the son of William
Henry Whitaker and Mary Jane Wyatt. He ran the Manatee Livery Stable, was a celery grower
and was a partner in the Manatee Bridge Company.
Their home which is referred to as the Steamboat House, once stood facing north west on
the corner of 2nd Ave and 17th St. E.. Fannie Vanderipe Whitaker, his wife, did not want to
live on the riverbank and employed Ben Curry to move the house with a team of 16 oxen.
(The land north of 2nd Ave has been filled). The parlor of this home fronts the house with
doors rather than windows all around.
William Richard Whitaker was named after his grandfather and was the son of William
Henry Whitaker and Mary Jane Wyatt. He ran the Manatee Livery Stable, was a celery grower
and was a partner in the Manatee Bridge Company.
Their home which is referred to as the Steamboat House, once stood facing north west on
the corner of 2nd Ave and 17th St. E.. Fannie Vanderipe Whitaker, his wife, did not want to
live on the riverbank and employed Ben Curry to move the house with a team of 16 oxen.
(The land north of 2nd Ave has been filled). The parlor of this home fronts the house with
doors rather than windows all around.
12. Arthur H. Brown House
This ornate Greek Revival home was built for Arthur H. Brown,
general manager of Atwood Grapefruit Groves. It was constructed in
1903 by Captain Hartwell Davis. The original features of this
building, the tall chimney, pillars, curved porch and the outstanding
preserved state make this house a treasure to the community.
Davis is known for building the first bridge across the Manatee River,
the Graham/Davis mansion, and the first 3-story building in either
Bradenton or the Town of Manatee. Built in 1910 the 3-story building
held the first movie theater of the communities. Davis was the
president of the Bank of Manatee and constructed many of the Sears
Robuck catalog houses on 12th Street East.
This ornate Greek Revival home was built for Arthur H. Brown,
general manager of Atwood Grapefruit Groves. It was constructed in
1903 by Captain Hartwell Davis. The original features of this
building, the tall chimney, pillars, curved porch and the outstanding
preserved state make this house a treasure to the community.
Davis is known for building the first bridge across the Manatee River,
the Graham/Davis mansion, and the first 3-story building in either
Bradenton or the Town of Manatee. Built in 1910 the 3-story building
held the first movie theater of the communities. Davis was the
president of the Bank of Manatee and constructed many of the Sears
Robuck catalog houses on 12th Street East.
| This is Manatee Avenue in the Village of Manatee in 1910 looking eastward towards the Braden River from about 20th Street East. |
| Walking Tour of the Village of Manatee |
Colonel James C. Vanderipe
| William Richard Whitaker |
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