Carrabelle in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Coastal Gem
1940s to Today
| | History Timeline | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
1. A Coastal Gem Marker
1945 WWII ended.
Barn Raising
The Army left behind many new paved roads which brought more tourists to the area. Commercial fishing expanded. Riverfront homes and businesses, such as The Barn, were built or improved, using surplus wood, bricks, and other materials from the war.
1950s The Party Boat Era brought many tourists to the area.
A New Place to Party
Many tourists boarded recreational boats to fish or just party. Carrabelle became a popular destination for Tallahassee politicians, businessmen, and stars from Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry.
Island Shuttle
The ferry boat, Spica, docked in this harbor. It shuttled visitors from Carrabelle to Dog Island, as well as residents to and from their homes.
1970s The seafood industry flourished.
Seafood Heyday
Processing plants and fish houses dotted the waterfront with commercial fishing boats lined up at docks, offloading their catch. Family-owned seafood businesses thrived, employing many local residents.
1990s Commercial and residential development increased.
Crazy About Carrabelle
The Pearl of the Panhandle was discovered. Developers began building condominiums with private docks along the river. New subdivisions and businesses sprang up everywhere.
this page online
2000 The Carrabelle Riverwalk and Wharf was built.
The City of Carrabelle developed the Riverwalk and Wharf where you are now standing to ensure public access to this beautiful, historic waterfront community.
Enjoy your visit!
Erected 2009 by Florida Coastal Management Program, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 29° 50.838′ N, 84° 39.843′ W. Marker is in Carrabelle, Florida, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Marine Street and Avenue F South, on the right when traveling south on Marine Street. The marker is mounted on the north side of the Carrabelle Riverwalk & Wharf public restroom building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carrabelle FL 32322, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle. 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 walking distance of this marker: From Boom to Bust... and Back Again! (here, next to this marker); From Sails to Rails (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the Carrabelle Riverwalk and Wharf (here, next to this marker); The Land and Sea Provide
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
2. Carrabelle Riverwalk & Wharf Public Restrooms
Looking south; the Carrabelle River is on the right. This marker is the rightmost of three interpretive panels on the north side of the building.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Carrabelle Riverwalk & Wharf History Timeline
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
3. Nearby Carrabelle Riverwalk & Wharf Sign
Funding for this project was provided in part by the Florida Coastal Management Program, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, by the Coastal Zone Management act of 1972, as amended, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. September 2009.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
