Fort Gates & The Palmettos

Little Lake George is south of Welaka.  At the point where Little Lake George narrows must past Buzzards Point is an area called Fort Gates.  This area is home to the oldest operating fearing in Florida which is a part of  the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.  The Gateway Ferry connects the east bank of the St. Johns near Pomona Park to the West bank near Salt Springs and the Ocala National Forest.  We watched as the ferry took a truck and trailer across the mile width from one side to the other.  I would love to go explore this area by car-not just because of the ferry.  The clouds were out on the morning we passed through giving me a great opportunity to see a Victorian gothic home named The Palmettos.  

The clouds were out on the morning we passed through giving me a great opportunity to see a Victorian gothic home named The Palmettos.  This home built in 1877  by the editor of the Putnam County Journal, was purchased by a tourist cruising the St. Johns by steamboat.  J. Monroe Taylor was so enamored by the sight of the property on a visit 1887 that he vowed to purchase the estate when he stepped off the steamboat.  The next day, when the steam boat returned--The Palmettos had a new owner from New York.  It was for sale in 1965 to the state of Florida for $125,000 but the state found that price much too high.  The home and acreage were divided and auctioned.  In 2001, the home and about 1 1/2 acres were purchased by a young couple intent on restoration.  It appears from our view on the river that they were successful.

Looks like great place to enjoy the river in the summer

Anyone want to go visit with me?

Joy