Drone Flew Over A Derelict Florida Mansion, And Captured Something Truly Wild

The abandoned Howey Mansion in Florida was left to simply crumble for almost a decade. Sadly, the historic home was a shadow of its former glory when a drone filmed it in 2016. Though footage of the forgotten site contained some fascinating details. And events since then have shown that there’s still life in the impressive old structure.

Vision Of Opulence

Howey Mansion was a vision of opulence and splendor when it was first built in the 1920s. The ivy covered façade of the home featured an impressive entranceway, while inside the original owner’s wealth was clear to see. But time had been far from kind to this once-palatial home.

Eerie Shadow

The house became the haunt of vandals and historians alike as it fell into disrepair. Photographers and filmmakers braved the abandoned home to document its decay and provide us with an insight into a bygone era. And the resulting images and footage were often completely captivating.

William John Howey

The mansion’s history can be traced back to one man – William John Howey. He was born in the Illinois village of Odin in 1876 and began his career as an insurance salesman. But Howey would go on to build an empire from these humble beginnings. And by 1900 he had started developing land for the Oklahoma railroad.

Business Man

Later, the entrepreneur ventured into the automobile business – establishing the Howey Motor Car Company in 1903. Yet it seems that the motor trade wasn’t for him. And after making just seven Howey Cars, the website Abandoned Florida notes that he canned the business and traveled south to Mexico to sell pineapple plantations.