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"Dr.
Joseph Addison Braden, physician and native Virginian, came from Tallahassee to
the Manatee River in the early 1840's. By 1859 he had acquired
approximately 900 acres of land and built a steam operated sugar and grist
mill. In that year using slave labor and local materials he constructed
his 'Castle' -- a large two-story structure. The walls were poured 'tabby'
composed of lime, sand, crushed shells, and water. In February, 1856
the 'Castle' was attacked unsuccessfully by Seminoles. Later abondoned it
was destroyed by a woods fire in 1903. The ruins were purchased by the
Camping Tourists of America in 1924."
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