Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010
1. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker
The Florida Railroad Company was incorporated January 8, 1853, with David L. Yulee as president. The line received both federal and state land grants. Despite early financial difficulties, construction was begun from Fernandina, where the main office was located, in 1856. The final trackage to Cedar Key was laid March 1, 1861, and Florida had its first cross-state railroad.
Erected 1961 by Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. (Marker Number F-28.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1900.
Location. 30° 40.272′ N, 81° 27.879′ W. Marker is in Fernandina Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. It is on Center Avenue east of Front Street, on the left when traveling west. This historical marker is located in the downtown business district, very near the water front area along the Amelia River, and directly in front of the town's old railroad depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast, in Greater Jacksonville, and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South. 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: Revolutionary War Invasion of British East Florida (a few steps from this marker); William Bartram Trail (within shouting distance
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Marker temporarily moved
On today's visit (12/17/2014) I found the depot building was under construction, and the sign is laying against the building without its post. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted December 17, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010
2. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker
View of the historical marker in front of the old Fernandina Beach railroad depot.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010
3. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker
View looking southwest of the historical marker showing both the waterfront marina area and the railroad activity that continues to exist near the area of the marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010
4. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker
View looking south of the area near the historical marker.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
5. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker, old station and tourist center, 102 Centre Street
Photographed by James R. Murray, December 17, 2014
6. Florida's First Atlantic to Gulf Railroad Marker Relocation
The marker has been temporarily relocated to the left of the front door without its stand.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,914 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 22, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on August 15, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on December 17, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida.
