Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
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Sugar mill ruins
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Flagler County, Florida, USA |
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| Nearest city | Bunnell, Florida |
| Area | 109 acres (44 ha) |
| Built | 1836 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000185 |
| Added to NRHP | 29 September 1970 |
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is a cool place in Flagler Beach, Florida. It is a Florida State Park. You can find it about three miles west of Flagler Beach. The park protects the old ruins of a large plantation and its sugar mill. These buildings were made from a special rock called coquina. Coquina is a type of rock made from tiny shells and fossils. This was once the biggest plantation in East Florida. Sadly, it was run by using the forced labor of enslaved people.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The Bulow Plantation Story
The Bulow Plantation began in 1821. A man named Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow bought 4,675 acres of land. This land was next to a tidal creek, which is now called Bulow Creek. He had 2,200 acres cleared for farming. This hard work was done by enslaved people. They grew crops like indigo, cotton, rice, and sugarcane.
Major Bulow passed away in 1823. His son, John Joachim Bulow, was only seventeen years old. John inherited the property and took over managing it. From Christmas 1831 to January 1832, a famous artist visited the plantation. This was John James Audubon, who studied American birds. Around that time, John Bulow also had a sugar mill built on his land.
Destruction and Preservation
The plantation was destroyed in 1836. This happened during the Seminole Wars, a conflict in Florida's history. The ruins of the plantation remained.
The State of Florida bought the property and its ruins in 1945. It was officially opened as a State Historic Park in 1957. Later, on September 29, 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
Amazing Wildlife
Animals You Might See
The park is home to many different animals. You might spot some amazing birds flying overhead. These include majestic bald eagles and graceful swallow-tailed kites. In the water, you might even see gentle Florida manatees.
Fun Things to Do
Activities at the Park
There are many fun activities you can enjoy at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park:
- Go hiking on the trails.
- Try your luck at fishing.
- Look for different kinds of wildlife.
- Go canoeing or kayaking on Bulow Creek.
- Have a nice picnic with your family and friends.
Park Features
The park has some great features for visitors:
- A 6.8-mile hiking trail for exploring.
- A boat ramp if you want to bring your own boat.
- A screened picnic pavilion, perfect for eating outdoors.
Bulow Creek is even recognized as a State Canoe Trail. The park also has a special interpretive center. Here, you can see original items from the plantation. You can also learn more about its history.
Park Hours
When to Visit
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is open most days. You can visit from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The park is open Thursday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Images for kids
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A historical marker at the park.
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The old storing and loading area.
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A view of the ruins.
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Another look at the historic ruins.
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Close-up of the coquina ruins.
