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School Zone
American History Grant Sends Teachers to Kingsley Plantation
Duval County Public Schools' teachers from elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district recently attended the
re-opening of the Kingsley Plantation main house, as part of the Teaching American History Grant.
During the visit, the park rangers shared with teachers the history of the plantation and the story of Zephaniah Kingsley, who moved
to the plantation in 1814. When he moved, Kingsley brought his wife, Anna Jai Kingsley, who was from Senegal, West Africa
(originally purchased by Zephaniah as a slave in Cuba) and their three children. A fourth child was later born at Kingsley Plantation.
Kingsley's wife actively participated in the plantation management, acquiring her own land and slaves when freed by Kingsley. The
lives of the slaves were detailed by the park rangers to teachers as they moved through the very detailed restorations of the slaves'
homes. The Kinsley's left Florida in 1837, and after the death of Zephaniah Kingsley, Anna Kingsley returned and temporarily resided
with one of her daughter's while she searched for a residence of her own. Although Anna won the right to inherit her portion of
Zephaniah's estate, Kingsley Plantation was sold prior to the death of Zephaniah to Kingsley B. Gibbs.
The teachers were fascinated by the history of the plantation and its preservation. They were given a tour by the park rangers and
were inspired to bring their students back on field trips, providing them with the opportunity to learn about the Kingsley Plantation.
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