MEET OUR GUIDE
Meet Bob Scallan, an enthusiastic history teacher and former school administrator who breathes life into the history of Orange Park. As a dedicated member of the Historical Society of Orange Park, Bob established Orange Park History Tours with a mission to unveil the town's enthralling tales.
Tour Teasers
ABOUT ORANGE PARK HISTORY TOURS
Embark on a journey with Orange Park History Tours as we unveil the hidden stories of Orange Park and its surroundings. Using historic photographs, we transport you back in time, allowing you to stand in the footsteps of the photographers and perceive history through their lenses.
Step into this immersive exploration of the past, simply call us or visit our website to schedule your tour. For those interested in a group tour, we offer the option to arrange a private experience. Please contact us to tailor a tour to your group's interests. Remember, reservations are required for all our engaging tours.
Orange Park Tour
Magnolia CEMETERY TOUR
This is a one-hour, 1-mile tour that focuses on the heart of Orange Park. Stroll back in time with founder Washington Gano Benedict, who will transport you to 1877 when the first three streets were laid out, orange trees were planted, and the thrill of steamboat whistles filled the air.
You will be captivated by the stories of Benedict's marketing schemes, the killer freeze of 1894, the sunken Civil War boat just offshore, horses and wagons falling off the pier, the infamous "Monkey Farm," and many more.
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Want to delve deeper into the past? Join our Magnolia Cemetery tour, which highlights the movers and shakers who helped build Orange Park. Hear fascinating stories of Civil War veterans, mayors, the “Ice Man,” the Clarkes, Gen. Copeland, a WWI balloonist, a Pearl Harbor survivor, and many more—all with their own unique tales.
1944 P-51 Airplane crash
Green Cove springs tour
On July 20, 1944, amidst the chaos of WWII, two young pilots made a fateful error, flying their fighters down through the backyards of homes between King St. and Willow Branch Ave. along Post St. Discover the compelling story of 2nd Lieutenants John Egar and James Cope, who strayed from their training mission to buzz Egar's childhood home in the Riverside community. Walk the path they took, see the homes damaged by their crash, hear the roar of their powerful engines, and smell the burning jet fuel as your tour guide relives the events moment by moment.
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Green Cove Springs, a historic city rich in heritage, is adorned with grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss and elegant historic residences. Its streets evoke a bygone era of unpaved roads and horse-drawn wagons. On our tour, you'll journey from the 1800s to World War II, exploring how this charming town, once bustling with automobile dealerships on Main Street, played a significant role in supporting the war effort. Discover how Green Cove Springs' historical legacy shaped its past and its impact during pivotal moments in history.
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Location
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Orange Park Tour: Urban Bean Coffeehouse, 2023 Park Ave., 32073.
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P-51 Mustang Tour: SW corner of Post and King St.
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Magnolia Cemetery Tour: Veteran's Memorial, just inside the main gate.
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Green Cove Spring Tour: Front steps of the old courthouse in historic triangle.
Pet Friendly
We welcome well-behaved pets to join our tours, allowing you to share your historical adventure with your furry companions.
Duration
The Orange Park and Green Cove Springs tours last approximately one hour.
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The Magnolia Cemetery and P-51 Mustang crashes last about 45 minutes.
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The Green Cove Springs tour is about 1.5 hours.
Refunds
Refunds will be issued in the event of tour cancellations due to inclement weather.
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Parking
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History Tour: SE corner of Kingsley Ave. and Park Ave.
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Cemetery Tour: Clarke House or Kingsley Ave at the Baptist Church.
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P-51 Crash Tour: SW corner of Post and King Streets. Street parking is available on all four corners.
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Green Cove Springs Tour Lot across street from old courthouse at 915 Walnut Street.
When
You set the day and time of your tour. Contact us to schedule any of our tours at your convenience.
book your tour now
Tours are given at your convenience. Contact us to schedule the day and time that works best for you- morning, midday, or evening - 7 days a week. We work to accommodate your schedule.
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RATES
Adults - $20
Children ages 7 - 17 $18
Veterans - $18
Seniors 65 and older - $18
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets welcome on the tours?
Yes, pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash.
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Can I get a refund if I can't make my scheduled tour?
Yes, refunds are available if you provide a 24-hour notice of your inability to attend the tour.
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What happens if the tour has to be cancelled due to inclement weather?
If we need to cancel the tour due to weather conditions, we will notify guests by text, email, and/or phone call as early as possible. Guests will then have the option to receive a refund or reschedule for another day.
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Is the tour accessible to wheelchair-bound individuals?
Yes, the tour route is accessible with a well-maintained sidewalk throughout.
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Approximately how long will the tour last?
The tour will last between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes.
OUR SPONSORS
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