Bullet Holes & History: Tour Ocklawaha's Gangster House

The Bradford-Ma Barker House, located in Ocklawaha, Florida, is a preserved historical site offering a unique look into American crime history. This humble white wooden home was once the hideout for Depression-era gangsters Ma Barker and her son Fred. In 1935, their presence led to a violent confrontation with federal agents.

The home became the scene of the longest shootout in FBI history, resulting in the deaths of Ma Barker and Fred. The house, originally built in 1930 as a vacation retreat, was rented by a representative using assumed identities, unaware of the occupants' fugitive status.

Remarkably, the house was not demolished but preserved as a museum. In 2016, it was moved across Lake Weir to its current location within Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area. Visitors can explore the interior, which still bears witness to the 1935 gunfight with visible bullet holes and original architectural features.

Guided tours are available by advance arrangement and offer a detailed look at the events that transpired. While the house is no longer on its original property, it remains the very same structure where this significant chapter of law enforcement history unfolded. The museum aims to educate visitors about this dramatic period rather than glorify the criminals.