If you’re driving through downtown Tampa you may see a slightly unusual building, Moorish Revival in style and striking against the skyline on the Hillsborough River.
This building (now an annex for the University of Tampa) was originally built as a Hotel by Henry Bradley Plant, who made a fortune as a railroad and steam ship magnate. It opened as a winter resort on February 5th 1891.
Henry B Plant formed an investment company and acquired existing rail lines as well as laying new track which enabled him to bring the first steam engine to Tampa in 1884. He was very much admired and Plant City, east of Tampa, was named in honor of him.
Part of the what once was the Tampa Bay Hotel is now a Museum. It houses several permanent exhibits in rooms that have artifacts and furniture to reproduce its Victorian era origins. The museum hosts temporary exhibits and events (including the popular “Christmas Stroll”) and you can find out more about them here.
If your legs need a stretch it is worth it to stop and stroll around, and if you’re really interested about the history then it’s worth paying the admission charge😊