Site Visit to Kingsley Plantation

Today, I went and toured the Kingsley Plantation with my fiancé. We went and visited in the early afternoon and greatly enjoyed all of the history we learned. Prior to this visit, I had no idea that there was a former slave plantation within Jacksonville city limits. We toured the kitchen area, the sleeping quarters for both Anna and Zephaniah Kingsley, the barn, and slave quarters. The most interesting (and upsetting) fact that I learned was the story of Anna Madgigine Jai (Kingsley). How she was brought from the Senegal as a slave, became involved in the running of the plantation, freed, and then acquired her own land and slaves. 

We spent an hour and a half walking and touring the grounds, talking to the park guide, and reading the many plaques. The ride in was on a long, bumpy dirt road that I wasn’t sure my car could handle! 

I loved getting out into nature and learning more about the history of Florida. I’m going to recommend this to all of my friends and family to come and spend a day.