Historic Spanish Point

Residents and visitors alike can learn more about this area’s history and nature at Spanish Point, a 30-acre museum located in Osprey on Little Sarasota Bay. Formerly, the property of wealthy industrialist Bertha Palmer who bought up large tracts of land in south Sarasota, she lived here from 1910 until her death in 1918.

Historic Spanish Point is divided into three time elements: Prehistoric: 3, 000 B.C. to 1,000 A.D. Pioneer: 1867 to 1910 and Palmer: 1910 – 1980. There is evidence of people living on the site over 5,000 years ago and you will see one burial mound and two shell middens (shell refuse mounds.) Archaeological studies have uncovered shells, bones and other trash from everyday life. There is a unique exhibit, “A Window to the Past,” that shows a cut-away section of one of the middens where you can clearly see the layers of human occupation. You also view a short video depicting the domestic life of these natives and the archaeology excavations conducted here. Who knew trash piles could be fascinating?

The first pioneers to live on this site were John & Eliza Webb who learned about the location from a Spanish trader and named the homestead Spanish Point after him. Like the millions who followed, they wanted to escape the harsh winters up north. They built their house on top of one of the middens and for 40 years the family farmed more than ten acres on this site. They planted citrus trees and built a packinghouse to prepare the crops to be shipped to market. There is also a reconstruction of the Webb Citrus Packing House where citrus were wrapped and packed into boxes for the journey to northern markets. Like farmers everywhere, there were good years and bad so they offered rooms to wintering visitors from the north.

One of these visitors was Mary Sherrill, a young woman who died from TB while staying there. Her family and friends built a chapel in her memory, Mary’s Chapel, and it was reconstructed in 1986 and serves today as a popular spot for small weddings. The Webb family graveyard is located here as well.

Although the Webb house no longer stands, you can see the Frank and Lizzie Webb Guptill’s home (pictured here) nearby restored to its time period as an example of what homes were like around 1900. Sit on the front porch and relax looking out over Little Sarasota Bay.

Bertha Palmer’s home no longer exists as it sat on part of the land that was sold off and developed. You can see three of her gardens: the Sunken Garden, Duchene Lawn and Jungle Walk in various stages of restoration.

By exploring the grounds, you can see different natural habitats and native plants representing over 50% of the species found in Sarasota County and can be enjoyed along the nature trails and boardwalks. A beautiful Butterfly Garden showcases many of the plants that entice butterflies to linger.

Although you are free to explore the site on your own, you will gain much more if you take one of the free docent-led tours by knowledgeable volunteers who fill out the picture of life on this historic site. Call 966•5214 for tour times. On the tour you will walk about 1¼ miles so wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. The site is a combination of sun and shade so a hat and sunscreen are advised. There are tram tours for an additional $5 but these still involve some walking and standing. A boat tour of Little Sarasota Bay is an additional $12 but call to check days and availability.

Spanish Point is located at 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Your first stop is the Visitor’s Center that is housed along with the Osprey library in a schoolhouse built in the 1920’s. First, you view a short video orientation presentation and then you are free to drive back to the parking area for exploring the grounds. 

Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. Adult passes are $15, Seniors $12, $7 for kids 5-12 and are good for the entire day. For refreshments, you will need to drive off site. Contact info: www.historicspanishpoint.org, phone 966•5214 or [email protected].