Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tabby House on the Seashore
| | De Soto National Memorial | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
1. Tabby House on the Seashore Marker
This building may have been constructed as part of a commercial fishing camp that operated here in the 1830s. During the Civil War Confederate soldiers used the "tabby house" as a military station. Archeological digs have revealed clues that it also served as a trading post, a blacksmith shop, a tavern, and a post office.
(Sidebar):
How is Tabby Made?
Tabby cement was introduced to the coast of Florida by European colonists. To make tabby, the colonists mixed quicklime powder with sand and shells, added water, and poured the slurry into molds. The quicklime and water reacted chemically, hardening in place. Successive layers of tabby created strong, weather-resistant walls.
Quicklime is traditionally produced by burning limestone, but it can also be made from clam or oyster shells. Here along the Florida coast, the colonists used oyster shells plundered from the huge shell mounds at Indigenous village sites.
(Caption):
Captain Tole Fogarty stands in
this page online
Erected 2025 by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.
Location. 27° 31.48′ N, 82° 38.507′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from 75th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75th St NW, Bradenton FL 34209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast and on Tampa Bay. It is also in the American 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: Cofitachequi (a few steps from this marker); A Punishing Winter (a few steps from this marker); Across the Wide River (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Mabila (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Conquistador (within shouting distance of this marker); Driven Out of Chicaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Back to Angola (about 300 feet away); A Long and Fruitless March (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Tabby House Ruins (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); De Soto Point (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
2. Tabby House on the Seashore Marker - wide view
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
3. Tabby House on the Seashore Marker
View of the pile of tabby rubble mentioned on the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
