The site contains the remains of a prehistoric shell midden rising over 20 feet above the surrounding terrain.
Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite and businesswoman, purchased the property in 1910 and developed the exotic gardens.
The on-site Webb House was constructed in 1894 and serves as an example of Florida pioneer architecture.
The site hosts a reconstructed pioneer cemetery containing early settlers of the Osprey region.
The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Archaeological findings include evidence of the Manasota culture, which inhabited the Gulf Coast for millennia.
The formal Sunken Garden design incorporates elements of the original landscape modified by Palmer’s horticulturists.
The site preserves one of the most significant archaeological records of the prehistoric Gulf Coast.
Historic Spanish Point is a 30-acre environmental and archaeological site located on the shores of Little Sarasota Bay. It is a campus of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, blending native Florida ecosystems with preserved history. The site features a prehistoric shell midden formed by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years. Visitors can tour the Webb House, a turn-of-the-century pioneer home, and the Guptill House. The grounds include formal sunken gardens established by Bertha Palmer in the early 20th century. A boardwalk system extends over the bay, providing access to coastal habitats and mangroves. Interpretive trails highlight the transition from Archaic-period shell mounds to the pioneer homesteading era. Archaeological excavations have identified burials and habitation layers dating back approximately 5,000 years. The site serves as both a botanical research facility and an open-air historical museum.
The elevated boardwalk overlooking the bay, particularly during the golden hour for reflection shots.
Bring insect repellent, as the coastal boardwalk and wooded trails are prone to mosquitoes.
Check the daily program schedule upon arrival to catch guided historical or botanical tours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for shell paths and uneven natural terrain.
Attempting to climb or disturb the shell mounds, which are protected historical and cultural sites.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive archaeological midden sites and native plantings.
