Orman House, Antebellum mansion with botanical garden in Apalachicola, Florida.
Orman House is a Federal and Greek revival mansion in Apalachicola with hand-crafted wooden mantelpieces, plaster cornices, and heart-pine flooring throughout its rooms. The grounds feature tended gardens that showcase many plant species found in the region.
Thomas Orman, a cotton merchant, built this house in 1838 when Apalachicola was becoming a major export port for cotton in the Southeast. The property reflects the wealth that the cotton trade brought to the area during that period.
The gardens honor Dr. Alvan Chapman, a botanist who spent years studying the plants native to this region. Walking through the grounds today, you can see how his work shaped what grows here and remains central to the site's purpose.
The site opens Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM for visitors. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the gardens and grounds thoroughly.
At least 15 different Florida plant species carry Dr. Chapman's name in their scientific designation, a rare mark of botanical recognition. These species still grow on the grounds today, showing his lasting impact on the local plants.
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