Apalachicola in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, December 27, 2016

1. The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House Marker

Inscription. This classical Greek Revival style house served as the residence of Dr. Alvan Wentworth Chapman, physician, scientist, and eminent botanist, whose research and writings on the flora of the South received international recognition. Born in 1809 in Massachusetts, Dr. Chapman came to Florida in 1835, and by 1847 had settled in Apalachicola. He built this house in 1847, and lived here almost continuously until his death in 1899. Active in the community, Dr. Chapman served as county judge, mayor, and collector of customs. Among the many plants named in his honor is the Chapman Rhododendron, so named by noted Harvard professor Asa Fray. Dr. Chapman was also associated with the Smithsonian, furnishing that institution’s first specimens of butterfly chrysalises of this locality. His first herbarium is located at the New York Botanical Garden; his second, including his original manuscript, “Flora of the Southern United States,” is at the Biltmore Estate near Ashville, North Carolina. Dr. Chapman died here and was buried in nearby Chestnut Cemetery. Dramatically altered during the 20th century, the house underwent a complete restoration, completed and now appears as it did during Dr. Chapman’s residency.

Erected 2012 by Dr. Helen E.A. Tudor, Walter B. Melvin, A.I.A. and the Florida Department

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of State. (Marker Number F-740.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.

Location. 29° 43.534′ N, 84° 59.228′ W. Marker is in Apalachicola, Florida, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Avenue E (U.S. 98) and Battery Park Lane, on the right when traveling west on Avenue E. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 82 6th Street, Apalachicola FL 32320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Chestnut Street Cemetery of Early Apalachicola (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); The Hanserd-Fry House (about 500 feet away); Methodist Episcopal Church South (about 500 feet away); Dr. John Gorrie (about 600 feet away); Fort Coombs - Franklin Guards (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apalachicola.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Gorrie Square (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, August 6, 2019

2. The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House Marker

marker. An identical marker is located 140 feet northeast of here.

Regarding The Dr. Alvan W. Chapman House. The house is now the Chapman House Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2020. This page has been viewed 1,002 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on August 3, 2020. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.