Touring a Florida Plantation Historical Archaeology of Gamble Plantation 1842-1858
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Baram, Uzi
Keywords
Archaeology, Gamble Plantation, Florida Plantation
Area of Concentration
Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the lives of the Gamble Plantation inhabitants from 1842 to 1858. This is accomplished through three major steps: gathering of archival and archaeological information that involved the Gamble Plantation; presenting historical archaeological data; and analyzing public presentation of the park. The Park presentation offers museum quality artifacts to illustrate the lifestyle maintained by Gamble. The tour centers on the material culture of a planter society. A sense of the lives of the enslaved people is lost in this presentation. Review of archival sources and past archaeological excavations of Gamble Plantation reveals a member of the planter society who attempted to maintain control during political, social, and economic distress. A general sense of Gamble's life while owning the plantation is achieved through examining the remaining landscape of the plantation. The issues of power and order are observed in the visual clues of his material culture. Review of historical archaeologists' analysis concerning slavery and the materiality of power offers deeper insight into life on the Gamble plantation. The role of historical archaeology in investigating Gamble Plantation demonstrates the need for extensive excavations to gain further knowledge of the enslaved people. Excavations of archaeologically sensitive areas might provide more comprehensive understanding of the lives of the inhabitants and shed new light on the plantation's history.
Recommended Citation
Silpa, Felicia, "Touring a Florida Plantation Historical Archaeology of Gamble Plantation 1842-1858" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3310.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3310
Rights
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