Newport in Wakulla County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of the Former Town of Magnolia

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 9, 2022

1. Site of the Former Town of Magnolia Marker

Inscription. Two miles north of this site was located the town of Magnolia, founded in 1827 by the four Hamlin brothers of Augusta, Maine. The Hamlin family had been attracted to the new territory of Florida by the availability of land. The Hamlins chose a site on the St. Marks River which had potential for development into a port town. Because of the lack of overland routes to the north, coastal outlets were particularly important to the settlers and planters of Middle Florida. Magnolia quickly developed into a small but busy port, and in 1829, a U.S. customs house was established there. In the early 1830's, the town had a number of stores and warehouses as well as a bank. Increasing cotton production contributed to Magnolia's commercial growth, but soon the climate and navigational difficulties on the river presented problems for the community. Competition came from the nearby town of St. Marks, and in the mid-1830's the customs house was transferred there. Litigation over land claims in the area also contributed to the decline of the community. Bypassed in 1836 by the new railroad from Tallahassee to St. Marks, Magnolia was gradually abandoned. Today nothing remains of the town except a small cemetery.

Erected 1975 by Wakulla County Bicentennial Committee in cooperation with Department of State. (Marker

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Number F-238.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 30° 11.948′ N, 84° 10.53′ W. Marker is in Newport, Florida, in Wakulla County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 98 and Lighthouse Road (County Route 59), on the right when traveling west on U.S. 98. Marker is in the small Newport Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crawfordville FL 32327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Tallahassee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tallahassee - St. Marks Railroad (approx. 3.3 miles away); The City of St. Marks (approx. 3.4 miles away); St. Marks Bike Trail Park (approx. 3½ miles away); Bo Lynn's Grocery (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Port Leon (approx. 3½ miles away); Telltale Bones (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Port Leon (approx. 3.7 miles away); San Marcos de Apalache (approx. 3.9 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Port Leon (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Magnolia, FL. (Submitted on February 19, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Site of the Former Town of Magnolia Marker looking south toward US 98 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 9, 2022

2. Site of the Former Town of Magnolia Marker looking south toward US 98

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,453 times since then and 141 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.