Tucked along a shady stretch of downtown Bradenton, three gracious old homes still stand their ground, silent sentinels from a bygone era. These aren’t just any old houses. They’re part of the Curry Houses Historic District, part of the National Register of Historic Places, a trio of sturdy survivors from the days when dirt roads and orange blossoms marked the rhythm of life in Manatee County.
Circa-1860 houses of shipbuilder John Curry (1811–1882) and Confederate soldier Samuel G. Curry (1843–1925) and the 1925 bungalow of a descendent
Out of more than 20 original Curry family structures, only these three remain, and their survival is no small feat. Built by or for the descendants of Captain John Curry, they now hold the honor of national recognition for their architectural and historical significance, according to the Florida Department of State.
Looking northeast over the homes of Point Pleasant (old Curry’s Point) and across the Ware’s Creek entrance to the Manatee River.
With wide porches and clapboard siding warmed by the Florida sun, these homes represent more than craftsmanship. They reflect Bradenton’s transformation from an agricultural outpost to a growing city. Set near the bubbling Manatee Mineral Springs, the site was a key gathering spot long before urban development took root…