Cortez in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Robert Sailors Artistic Haven/Refugio artístico de Robert Sailors

Photographed by McGhiever, April 3, 2026

1. Robert Sailors Artistic Haven/Refugio artístico de Robert Sailors Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born in Michigan in 1913, artist Robert Sailors purchased this property in 1974 for his home and studio. A renowned master weaver, Sailors founded a textile company in 1949 which gained national recognition. His works are held in respected museums worldwide.

This horse fountain exemplifies the artistic flair Sailors added to the property, inside and out. A 1993 Sarasota Herald-Tribune article recounts how Sailors, inspired by a 3-inch reproduction of a Greek artifact, commissioned a life-sized stainless-steel version from a kitchen sink company in Arcadia.

Sailors was known for combining unusual materials in his weaving, and his additions to the property reflect this. Sailors enjoyed opening his home to the community for events and even hosted two separate performances by the Sarasota Ballet here on the grounds in what Sailors called "an absolutely wonderful combination of art and nature."

Nacido en Michigan en 1913, el artista Robert Sailors compró esta propiedad en 1974 para usarla como su hogar y estudio. Renombrado maestro tejedor, Sailors fundó una empresa textil en 1949 que obtuvo reconocimiento nacional. Sus obras se encuentran en museos respetados alrededor del mundo.

Esta Fuente con forma de caballo ejemplifica el estilo artístico que Sailors añadió tanto al interior como al exterior de la propiedad. Un artículo del Sarasota Herald-Tribune de 1993 relata cómo Sailors inspirado por una reproducción de 3 pulgadas de un artefacto griego, encargó una version de acero inoxidable a tamaño real a una empresa de fregaderos en Arcadia.

Sailors era conocido por combiner materiales inusuales en sus tejidos, y sus adiciones a la propiedad reflejan esto. Sailors disfrutaba de abrir su hogar a la comunidad para eventos e incluso orgranizó dos actuaciones separadas de Sarasota Ballet aquí en los terrenos, lo que Sailors llamaba "una maravillosa combinación de arte y naturaleza".

Robert Sailors, master weaver, at loom in his home studio inside what is now the Florida Maritime Museum.
Robert Sailors, maestro tejedor, en su telar en su estudio en casa, que ahora es el Museo Maritímo de Florida.

Erected by the

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Florida Maritime Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.

Location. 27° 28.062′ N, 82° 40.829′ W. Marker is in Cortez, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from 119th Street W., on the left when traveling south. The marker is directly behind the Florida Maritime Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4415 119th Street W, Cortez FL 34215, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The 1890 Bratton Store / The 1912 Cortez Rural Graded Schoolhouse

Robert Sailors marker and sculpture on the grounds of the Florida Maritime Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, April 3, 2026

2. Robert Sailors marker and sculpture on the grounds of the Florida Maritime Museum

(a few steps from this marker); The Burton/Bratton Store / La Tienda de Burton/Bratton (within shouting distance of this marker); A Century of Community/Un siglo de comunidad (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillsbury Boatshop/Pillsbury Tienda de Barcos (within shouting distance of this marker); Propeller from the 1892 Steamboat 'Mistletoe' (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillsbury Boatshop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Village of Cortez (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bradenton Beach First City Hall (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cortez.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.