Albert Blanding House - Gainesville, FL
N 29° 39.249 W 082° 19.347
17R E 372006 N 3281194
A blue plaque recognizing Albert Blanding is located at the Blanding House in Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Waymark Code: WM34Q7
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 02/09/2008
Views: 83
The blue plaque for Albert Blanding was created as part of The Great Floridians 2000 Program. According to the Florida Department of State website about this program
(visit link): "The Great Floridians 2000 program was designed to recognize individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida's citizens. In 1998, the Florida Department of State and the Florida League of Cities, to help celebrate the approaching turn of the century, initiated the program to dedicate a special series of commemorative plaques in cities throughout the state. These plaques recognized "Great Floridians 2000" by honoring men and women who made significant contributions to the history and culture of our state."
"Anyone could nominate an individual to be designated a Great Floridian 2000 by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application. These applications were periodically reviewed by the appointed Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida. The applications included the listing of an historical property where the plaque was affixed that was associated with the Great Floridian. Once the decisions were made, nominators were notified and advised on how and where to purchase the commemorative plaque."
The following is a biography of Albert Blanding posted on the Great Floridians 2000 Program website
(visit link): "Albert Blanding was born in 1876 and became a resident of Florida in 1878. He graduated from East Florida Seminary in Gainesville, first in his class. Blanding enlisted in the Gainesville Guards and commanded the second Florida Infantry during the Mexican Border Conflict from 1916 to 1917. In August 1917 Blanding was promoted to Brigadier General by President Woodrow Wilson. He served in World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He was recognized by the State of Florida with the Active State Service Medal and Florida Cross. Blanding became a military advisor during World War II. He served on the Everglades National Park Commission and was instrumental in establishing Everglades National Park. Albert Blanding died in 1970. His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Blanding House, 306 NE 3rd Street, Gainesville."
There is also a City of Gainesville light blue plaque on the house.