Southwood Plantation facts for kids
Southwood Plantation was a very large farm in Leon County, Florida, United States. It grew cotton and covered about 5,000 acres (20 square kilometers). This farm was owned by George Taliafero Ward and used the labor of enslaved people.
Contents
Southwood Plantation: A Historical Look
Where Was Southwood Plantation Located?
Southwood Plantation was next to other large farms. To its north was the Francis Eppes Plantation. To its south was the R. G. Shepard Plantation.
Who Owned Southwood Plantation?
The owner of Southwood Plantation was George Taliafero Ward. He was born in Kentucky in 1810. He moved to Tallahassee, Florida, in 1825.
In 1825, Ward became the Register of the Land Office. This was an important job that managed land records. From 1838 to 1839, he served on the Legislative Council for Leon County. This group helped make laws for the area. He also attended the Constitutional Convention. This was a meeting to write the state's constitution.
George T. Ward received the land for Southwood from his father, George W. Ward.
In 1844, George Ward married Sarah Jane Chaires. She came from a wealthy family in eastern Leon County. They had at least three daughters: Georgima, Anna, and Mattie. Sarah Jane also inherited other properties. These properties later became part of Southwood.
The first main house at Southwood was built in 1865. Sadly, it was later destroyed by fire. In 1939, George Henderson, a grandson of Mattie Henderson, moved his family home. He moved it from downtown Tallahassee to the old foundation of the original Southwood house.
How Big Was George Ward's Plantation?
George Ward owned several farms, not just Southwood. He also had Clifford Place and Waverly.
Together, all his farms covered about 4,200 acres (17 square kilometers). About 2,500 acres (10 square kilometers) of this land was used for farming. In 1860, records show that Ward held 160 enslaved people across his farms. They produced about 7,500 bushels of corn and 500 bales of cotton.
