Bertha Matilde Honore’ Palmer bought Spanish Point from the Webbs in 1910 along with a huge swath of what would become Sarasota county. A smart woman, this widow of a Chicago magnate planned her newly purchased acreage for real estate development, citrus, and cattle.  (The cattle ranch would extend into what is now Myakka State Park.)

Myakka State Park

While living for a scant eight years after buying the land, Bertha left her mark as much as the Webbs and Natives did during their time on the point.  Historic Spanish Point must’ve been Bertha Palmer’s private escape and personal joy for she filled it various and wonderful gardens.

The land stayed in the Palmer family until 1980 when the family donated it to The Gulf Coast Heritage Association, Inc.

At $12 a person to visit, Historic Spanish Point has a lot to offer, teach, and see.  It was well worth visiting and I will definitely come again.