Constructed in 1838 by Thomas Orman, this historic estate, Orman House Historic State Park, offers a glimpse into its rich past overlooking the Apalachicola River. The house served both as a place for business dealings and social gatherings.
Thomas Orman, a prominent cotton merchant and business owner in Apalachicola during the 19th century, played a vital role in transforming the small town into one of the Gulf Coast’s major cotton export hubs. The architecture of the house reflects a blend of Federal and Greek revival styles, showcasing features like wooden mantelpieces, molded plaster cornices, and wide heart-pine floorboards.
While exploring the park, visitors can also enjoy the nearby Chapman Botanical Gardens honoring Dr. Alvan Chapman. The gardens feature a butterfly garden, diverse botanical exhibits, walkways, and open spaces for leisurely walks.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Three Soldiers Detail, a bronze replica of the Vietnam memorial statue located in Washington, D.C.
Thomas Orman’s Legacy
Flowing through the Apalachicola River were the dreams and fortunes of countless individuals shaping the destiny of Florida. Figures like Thomas Orman emerged as visionaries and pioneers who contributed to the nation’s growth and development.
Not only did Thomas Orman leave his mark on the town, but his associates also made significant contributions to history. For instance, Dr. John Gorrie invented the ice machine, revolutionizing refrigeration, while Dr. Alvan Wentworth Chapman established himself as a renowned botanist and authored the esteemed work Flora of Southern United States, a botanical guide to the region. Explore the Orman House at the historic Apalachicola site to immerse yourself in over two centuries of the town’s history.
Orman House Remodeled, 1890
The Orman House’s intricate woodwork, including doors, trimmings, and windows, was manufactured in Syracuse, New York, transported to Apalachicola, and assembled on site in 1838.
This two-story architectural gem exemplifies Greek Revival style, initially featuring only four rooms: a parlor and dining area on the lower level, and two bedrooms upstairs.
The framework incorporates heavy cypress tree trunks bound by large maritime hawsers and wooden pegs. The house’s period details, such as wooden mantelpieces, plaster cornices, and heart pine floors, allude to the craftsmanship of the era. Noteworthy are the front porch’s granite steps, sourced from a cotton warehouse owned by Orman, and other intricate architectural elements enhancing its historical charm.
The Orman Family Legacy
William Orman, Thomas Orman’s son, born in 1830 in Webville, Florida, transitioned with his family to Apalachicola in 1834 by barge. Following his education at Yale University in law, William served in the Confederate army as a gun boat commander, contributing to pivotal battles and post-war reconstruction efforts.
Subsequently, William’s political career flourished as a two-term congressman in Florida, alongside active involvement in local governance and infrastructure development in Apalachicola post-war. His endeavors played a central role in revitalizing the town’s economy and identity.
Reflections in the Parlor
The Orman House hosted vibrant social gatherings that shaped the cultural landscape of Apalachicola during its peak as a cotton shipping port.
Prominent families of the era spared no expense in furnishing their homes with European luxuries, reflecting their elite stature and influence. Music, discussions on cultural attitudes, and innovative ideas like ice manufacturing fueled the lively ambience within the Orman House, drawing notable figures like Dr. Chapman and Captain Robert E. Lee.
The parlors echoed with discussions of statehood aspirations, strategies against epidemics, and the art of navigating the untamed Florida landscape towards prosperity and growth.
The Judge’s Legacy
Sarah (Sadie) Genevieve Orman, daughter of William Orman, married John Fenimore Cooper Griggs, a circuit court judge overseeing Florida’s ports and customs operations, in 1892. After inheriting the Orman House in 1896, the couple managed the estate, with Judge Griggs maintaining a separate office annexed to the house to balance professional duties with household affairs.
Sadie and Judge Griggs, known for their contributions to Tampa and Jacksonville, carried forward the Orman family’s legacy, preserving the estate’s heritage and historical significance.