Broward House

Description:

The Broward House is the historic former summer residence of Florida's 19th Governor, Napoleon Bonaparte Broward. Broward was born in 1857 in Duval County. Broward served as sheriff of Duval County, as a Florida State Representative, and then as Florida’s governor in 1905. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1910 but died before assuming office.

The Broward House was built in 1878 as part of "Pilot Town," a community home to many of the bar pilots who worked the St. Johns bar—a shifting sandbar located at the mouth of the St. Johns River. Bar pilots were essential for navigating ocean-going vessels through the shallow waters. The building has not been greatly altered or changed from its original design, and recent renovations were planned and undertaken to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the house.

Features:

The Broward House is a fine example of the Folk Victorian style of architecture, popular between 1870 and 1910. The features lacy brackets on porch posts, filigreed balustrades, and a third-story cupola above a widow's walk.

Location:

9953 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226-2503

The Broward House is located at the turn-off to Kingsley Plantation on A1A north of the St. Johns River ferry landing. The Broward House stands at the corner of Heckscher Drive.