Orman House Historic State Park
Apalachicola, Florida
The stately Orman House, centerpiece of the Orman House Historic State Park, is currently closed for a massive $1.6 million renovation which will return the Federal and Greek Revival architectural gem to her 19th century glory.
Almost no aspect of the 1838 structure will remain untouched. After repairing exterior siding and stabilizing the building, lead based paint abatement will be initiated and the exterior will be repainted.
Windows will be replaced and new window shutters will be custom-built to place the original shutters which are beyond repair.
The house’s multiple roof levels suffered damage through the years, and they will be repaired or replaced. Gutters and downspouts will also be added.
The hardwood floors in the library, dining room and hallway will be refinished to their original luster. HVAC ducts will be replaced, an ADA-compliant ramp will be added to the south side of the house, and worn non-period wallpaper will either be replaced or removed in favor of painted walls.
With renovation currently meeting timeframe targets, it is hoped that the house will re-open in spring of 2025.
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, the Orman House was home to one of Apalachicola’s most important merchant families for 156 years. The house was built by Thomas Orman, a prominent commission merchant, and businessman when Apalachicola was a booming and prosperous cotton port. Orman’s mercantile business extended from Apalachicola to Eufaula, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia, with outposts at the many river landings along the Apalachicola River.
Chapman Botanical Garden & Three Soldiers Detail South
Apalachicola, Florida
In 2008 the Chapman Botanical Garden, occupying almost seven acres adjacent to the Orman House site, were was added to the management area of the Orman House Historic State Park. The nearby Three Servicemen Veterans Memorial Plaza, constructed by the City of Apalachicola and local benefactors, and the Three Soldiers Detail South statue were added to the park that same year.
The Garden is named after physician and pioneering botanist Alvan Chapman who was born in Massachusetts but settled in Apalachicola in 1847 at age 38 and lived here until his death at age 89. He was the author of Flora of the Southern United States, first published in 1860, which brought the detailed study of botany from New England to northern Florida.
The garden's large entryway welcomes visitors to a lawn area dotted with ornamental trees and flowers, an orchard named Johnny Meyer Hill for the man who was instrumental in turning this property into a city park, and a stand of dense-canopied bald cypress trees with a cabbage palm understory.
A gazebo and picnic area offer tranquil rest stops where one can enjoy the garden's beauty. CBG will be enhanced with additional beds including plantings from Chapman’s 19th-century plant lists.
The Friends provided the engraved wooden sign for Chapman Botanical Garden, as well as soil, plants, seeds, and the installation of electrical service on the site.
Adjacent to the garden is the Veterans Memorial Plaza, which pays a moving tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War with a bronze detail of the Three Servicemen Statue located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Set on a black granite pedestal, the sculpture was cast from the original molds and is called Three Soldiers, Detail South because it replicates only the upper portion of the original.
The plaque on the statue reads, in part, that it is dedicated “in memory of those persons from the South who valiantly served their country during the Vietnam War (1959-1975).” Sculptor Frederick Hart expressed his desire to have replicas of the statue installed around the country so people would not have to travel to Washington D.C. to see the original memorial. To date, the Three Soldiers, Detail South in Apalachicola is the only replica that has been installed outside of Washington, D.C.
“Extremely interesting spot, with very knowledgeable and informative park ranger. The history of the house parallels that of Apalachicola itself, providing a good overall perspective to one’s visit. Terrific restoration of what was apparently a derelict building in the 1970s. Adjacent botanical garden also nice although limited, and good for picnicking.”
Stephen S.
April 2021
“Wonderful piece of local/state history. The park rangers were outstanding in providing information about the family, house and surrounding area. If you enjoy history, this is a very worthwhile stop.”
Jon H.
April 2021
“Do NOT miss this stop when in Apalach. Great Park Ranger. Fascinating history and info. Beautiful historic site.”
John C.
January 2021
“The Veteran’s Memorial of three servicemen is located with the Chapman Botanical Gardens and Orman House. It is a beautiful tribute to Veterans.”
Mixa’s Travels
May 2023
Activities
Ways we support and enhance the visitors’ experience
Examples of how Friends of Franklin County State Parks helps Orman House Historic State Park including Chapman Botanical Garden and Three Soldiers Detail South
- Blinds & Carpet runners
- Engraved wooden signs for Chapman Botanical Garden (CBG) and the Orman House
- Purchase of a roto-tiller
- Printer and scanner to digitize the Orman document collection
- Reupholstered three Orman family chairs
- Gazebo over Orman family well
- Orman kitchen project assistance with the help of the state and private donations
- Two 30’ flag poles
