When traveling west on Fort Pickens Road, just after passing Gulf Islands National Seashore's Fort…read morePickens Campground is a roadside exhibit of Chasefield Plantation Grabestones, located within the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, Florida,. This historic site tells a fascinating story of the region's past. The plantation, established in the 19th century, played a significant role in the development of the area and witnessed key events that shaped its history. Today, remnants of the plantation, including several tombstones, serve as a testament to its legacy and offer visitors a glimpse into the lives and deaths of some of those folks who once called it home.
The history of Chasefield Plantation can be traced back to 1828 when Captain William Henry Chase, an engineer and businessman, was tasked with building coastal fortifications in Pensacola Bay. Chase's vision and efforts transformed the remote coastal town into a bustling port, laying the foundation for the region's growth.
In 1837, Chase acquired a large tract of land on the eastern shore of Pensacola Bay and established Chasefield Plantation. The plantation was initially intended to serve as a self-sustaining agricultural enterprise, producing crops such as cotton and sugarcane. Chase also envisioned the plantation as a haven for his family and friends, building a grand mansion and several outbuildings to accommodate them.
Throughout the years, Chasefield Plantation witnessed several significant events that shaped its history. During the Civil War, the plantation was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops, who left their mark on the property. After the war, the plantation fell into disrepair, and the once-grand mansion was eventually lost to time.
Despite the decline of the plantation, its legacy lived on through the families who had called it home. The Chase family, along with other notable figures, such as Major General William Worth and the Kersey family, are among those buried in the Chasefield Plantation Cemetery. The tombstones, some of which date back to the early 19th century, stand as a testament to the plantation's rich history and the individuals who contributed to its story.
In 1957, the Chasefield Plantation Cemetery was relocated to the Gulf Islands National Seashore to preserve its historical significance and ensure its accessibility to visitors. Today, the tombstones can be found along Fort Pickens Road, offering a unique opportunity to explore the past and discover the stories of those who shaped the region's history.
The timeline of Chasefield Plantation reflects the rich and diverse history of the site:
* 1828: Captain William Henry Chase arrives in Pensacola to oversee the construction of coastal fortifications.
* 1837: Chase acquires land and establishes Chasefield Plantation.
* 1861-1865: The plantation is occupied by Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.
* Early 20th century: The plantation falls into disrepair, and the mansion is lost.
* 1957: Chasefield Plantation Cemetery is relocated to Gulf Islands National Seashore.
I have been an active contributor to the organizations website for years. It's the world's largest gravesite collection and have had over 190 million memorials created by the community since 1995. I found the data about these gravestones listed there and this story can serve as one more memorial to them.
Bottom line: The Chasefield Plantation tombstones at Gulf Islands National Seashore offer a unique and fascinating look into the history of Pensacola and the individuals who called the plantation home. It provides a glimpse into the lives and stories of those who shaped the area's history. RIP
George Edmund Chase
20 May 1807 - 23 Mar 1844
Sarah Greenleaf Chase
Feb 1775 - 27 Jan 1856
MG William Henry Chase
4 Jun 1798 - 8 Feb 1870
Clarissa Francis Golay
23 Aug 1841 - 28 Aug 1842
Vincent Golay
1817 - 10 Feb 1843
John Arthur Hopkins
1914 - 1978
B. F. Kersey
4 Jan 1847 - 1914
James McCowell
20 Jul 1814 - 13 Dec 1851
Margaret A. Nicholson
1839 - 18 Jan 1863
Betsy Shields Flowers
Birth and death dates unknown.
Jasper Strong Jr.
17 Mar 1841 - 22 Sep 1855
George R Underhill
Birth and death dates unknown.
David Williams
8 Feb 1778 - 11 Dec 1862
Sabra Lanear Williams
25 Sep 1774 - 25 May 1846
