Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Population on the Rise

Photographed By Karen Cox, October 30, 2011

1. Population on the Rise Marker

Inscription. In 1880 about 200 people lived in the cities of Eau Gallie and Melbourne. Eau Gallie's population in 1886 was 50. By 1890 the combined population in and around the two settlements was 374, of which 187 actually lived within the two communities.

In Eau Gallie the population surged from 172 to 329 between 1900 and 1910. This was partly due to the arrival of the winter quarters of the Kentucky Military Institute. Each year the Institute brought about 150 teachers, students and employees to Eau Gallie after the Christmas holidays.

One old timer said, "It's getting so crowded you can't even spit without hitting someone."

During the land boom in the mid 1920's, the highest population in Eau Gallie was around 1,200 but by 1920 the population was only 871.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 28° 7.91′ N, 80° 37.6′ W. Marker is in Melbourne, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is on Pineapple Avenue, 0.1 miles north of State Road 518, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Melbourne FL 32934, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eau Gallie Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Harbor City Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); Old City Hall Complex (about 300 feet away); Karrick's Grocery (about 400 feet away); Highland and St. Clair Street (about 400 feet away); Ginter Building (about 400 feet away); Downtown Eau Gallie (about 500 feet away); Corner of Highland and Eau Gallie Blvd. (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Population on the Rise Marker Seen from Eau Gallie Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jamie Cox, May 14, 2023

2. Population on the Rise Marker Seen from Eau Gallie Library

Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 4, 2011, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. 2. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.