Whispers From Verdura: The Lost Legacy of Benjamin Chaires

By Sharyn Heiland Shields. Despite his importance in the history of Florida during the Territorial Period (1821-1845), little has been written about the role of Benjamin Chaires.  Using a wide variety of historical, genealogical, and archaeological resources, the author thoroughly examines the impact of Chaires’ economic, legal, and political activities, including his establishment of Vendura, one of the premier Florida Antebellum plantation homes.