Our Story
In 1854, Thomas Evans and Serena Chesnut Haile established a 1,500-acre Sea Island cotton plantation in Gainesville, Florida. The Historic Haile Homestead, built by enslaved laborers, features unique 'Talking Walls' with over 12,500 words written by the family. Rediscovered in the 1970s, it was restored in 1996 and has welcomed the public since 2001.