WARDLAW-SMITH HOUSE

By  Mike Miller May 30, 2025

The Wardlaw-Smith House, also called the Smith Mansion, is a historic building in Madison, Florida. Built in 1860, it showcases Greek Revival architecture.

Now it serves as the Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center for North Florida College. Visitors can explore its history and attend events.

Wardlaw-Smith House

Benjamin F. Wardlaw, a prominent citizen, built the house in 1860. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital after the Battle of Olustee in 1864.

Confederate and Union soldiers were treated here. In 1865, Confederate Secretary of War John C. Breckenridge stayed overnight while fleeing to Cuba.

Chandler Holmes Smith bought the house in 1871. His family owned it for over a century. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

William and Sue Goza purchased it in 1978 and restored it. They donated it to the University of Florida in 1983. North Florida College acquired it in 1988. 

The Wardlaw-Smith House is at 103 North Washington Street, Madison, FL 32340. From I-10, take exit 258, follow SR 53 south, and turn left onto US 90. The house is on the right.

It operates as a conference center, so public access is limited. Call (850) 973-9432 to check event schedules or arrange a visit.

Guided tours may be available through the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Contact them at (850) 973-2277 for walking tour maps.

Photography is allowed outside. Check for community events like those hosted by Reunion Florida Garden and Kitchen School. Visit on weekdays for quieter exploration. 

• The house has a 200-year-old mahogany grand staircase, handcrafted and still intact.  

• It features a wrap-around porch with 20 pillars, each 40 feet tall.  

• A Depression-era filling station on the property was demolished during restoration.  

• The house was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1933.  

• Chef Art Smith uses it for his Reunion Florida Garden and Kitchen School.  

• The estate has 200-year-old oak and cypress trees on its grounds.  

• It was briefly a stop on John C. Breckenridge’s escape route in 1865. 

• The house has been listed at auction at least once in the past few years.

NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE WEBSITE