Orman House State Park

Thomas Orman built this house in Apalachicola back in 1838. Orman was a cotton merchant in those days, and Apalachicola was in the heart of the business as one of the Gulf Coast's biggest cotton export ports from 1840 to the 1870's.

Orman's home was used for both business and social gatherings. It was considered a mansion in tose days with its federal and Greek revival details: the molded plaster cornices, the wooden mantelpieces, the wide heart-pine floorboards, the large porch and the fully landscaped grounds.

Today, the house is well preserved and all the furnishings within are period. Out in front of the house is the Three Soldiers Detail Statue: a unique bronze cast from the same mold as the Three Servicemen Statue located in Washington, DC. Across the street is the Chapman Gardens, another nicely landscaped property (also part of the Orman House State Park) with great picnicking areas.

Orman House and Chapman Gardens are available for rent for special events and occasions. Guided tours of the property cost a small fee and are offered hourly when the house is open. The house is open from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm, Thursday through Monday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Orman House State Park is located off US Highway 98 in the historic section of downtown Apalachicola. Just turn at the stop light and follow the signs.

Admission fees: $2 per person for the museum, Children 5 and younger are free. Part of the tour is an hour-long history presentation of the house and its influence on Florida and the South since it was built in 1838.