Main Page - Orman House State Park » Florida State Parks

Wide porches circle the two story Orman House.

Manager's Message

History lives again at the Orman House in historic Apalachicola, Florida. Join Ranger Mike Kinnett, District 1 Interpreter of the Year for Florida State Parks, as he takes you back to 1838 for a look at the people and events that helped shape our state.

The Orman House celebrates the Holiday season November 27, 2009 from 5:00 - 8:00pm. The 1838 Antebellum home of Thomas Orman will be open to the public serving hot cider and a pianist will play Christmas music of the times. Come join us and experience holidays in Apalachicola from the past. A donation to benefit the Friends of Franklin County State Parks who are sponsoring the event would be appreciated.

Also visit the Three Soldiers Detail Statue located directly in front of the Orman House. The Three Soldiers Detail Statue is a unique bronze sculpture from the mold of the original Three Servicemen Statue located in Washington, D.C.

The Chapman Gardens, located across from the Orman House, is a great outdoor space to have a picnic, family gathering, or a special event.

The landscaped grounds and large front porch of the Orman House and the Chapman Gardens are available for special occasions and events. Please call the park at (850) 653-1209 for more information.

The contruction establishing parking and sidewalks joining the Orman House, Chapman Gardens and the Three Soldiers Detail plaza together has been completed. Stop by and see all the improvements that have been made to the Park.

- Mark Knapke, Park Manager

Welcome to Orman House State Park

Built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, this antebellum home overlooks the Apalachicola River, and was used for both business and social gatherings. Orman was a cotton merchant and businessman in Apalachicola from 1840 to the 1870s. He helped the tiny town become one of the Gulf Coast's most important cotton exporting ports during the mid-19th century. The house features details of both federal and Greek revival styles with wooden mantelpieces, molded plaster cornices, and wide heart-pine floorboards. The house is open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and closed 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. For a small fee, guided tours are offered hourly, except at 12:00 p.m.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Orman House State Park, please call 850-653-1209.

Hours of Operation

The house is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Driving Directions

The Historical Orman House is located in Apalachicola, off U.S. 98 in the downtown historical section. From Panama City, take U.S. 98 East to Apalachicola. At the stop light in Apalachicola, turn left and follow signs to the Orman House.