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Listen: The FolkFolk ProgramJudah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation - Ellenton, Florida
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Collection
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Physical Description
General Note
This is the oldest building on Florida's west coast and the state's only Confederate shrine.
Biographical Note
Built between 1845 and 1850 by pioneer planter and soldier Major Robert Gamble. It was constructed of red brick and "tabby". Situated on the Manatee River, the plantation covered 3,500 acres and was engaged in the cultivation of sugar cane and its manufacture into sugar. During the Civil War the refinery was looted and razed by a party from the US Bark "James L. Davis", one of the Federal ships blockading the river. In May 1865 Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of State for the Confederacy, took refuge in the mansion to escape capture by Federal troops and remained several weeks before escaping to England.
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