Architect/builder William Archer Hammerly of Baltimore, Maryland was hired by Benjamin F. Wardlaw, a prominent Madison resident, to design and construct the house which he called "Whitehall." Subsequent owners were A. Marshall Cason, 1863-1867; Elizabeth T. Glover, 1867-1871; Chandler Holmes Smith and succeeding members of the Smith family, 1871-1978; and Mr. and Mrs. William M. Goza, 1978-1982, who did a major restoration on the house and grounds and called it "Whitehall" once again.
 

North Florida Community College purchased the property in 1988 through a Florida legislative appropriation to preserve and use it as a conference center for the six rural counties which the college serves. Furnishings and accessories are loaned or donated by individuals within the area.
 

The two-story, square structure made of heart pine has many beautiful and interesting features, such as original window panes and shutters; 20 fluted columns of the Doric order; African mahogany, freestanding stairway; heart pine flooring put together with wooden pegs, expansive hallways and original bookshelves in the library.
 

A four-foot garden wall enclosing the property was added in 1980 along with a fountain and an Italian pergola. These fixtures were typical to the Southern landscape in the 1800's when the classical style of architecture was popular. They are complimented by azaleas, camellias, boxwood, magnolia and wisteria. The old live oak tree on the north entrance predates the house.
 

Historical stories associated with the house are varied. It was used briefly as a hospital it after the Civil War battle of Olustee which was fought on February 20, 1864, near Lake City, Florida, approximately 70 miles east of Madison. The wounded, including Northern soldiers, were brought into Madison by train. After the fall of the Confederacy, it is said that Gen. John C. Breckenridge (Confederate Secretary of War and former Vice President of the United States during President Buchanan's administration) spent the night at the mansion on May 15, 1865, during his escape to Key West. Years later during the Great Depression, a local WPA office, used for dispensing commodities, was housed in one room.
 

The first floor and kitchen can be rented for weddings, receptions and meetings.

Tours available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The doors open from 10:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is $2.00.
Please call us at (850) 973-2288, Ext 132 if you would like to arrange a tour or would like additional information about the Conference Center