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American Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Historic American Beach

 
 
Historic American Beach Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
1. Historic American Beach Marker
Inscription. American Beach was established in 1935 under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln Lewis, one of seven co-founders of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, and one of Florida’s first black millionaires. His vision was to create a beach resort as a benefit for company executives and as an incentive for employees to exceed in sales. Florida’s beaches were racially segregated until the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Because of this, American Beach became regionally popular since it was one of the few beaches in the Southeast open to African Americans. Other sites in American Beach trace their history to the Civil War era. Amelia Island was home to several Sea Island cotton plantations, including the Harrison Plantation. In 1862 Union Forces captured Amelia Island and the freed slaves founded Franklin Town at the south end of this island. The Franklin Town cemetery, which had been given by the Harrison family to their slaves as a burial place for their families, still exists today on the west side of Highway A1A. In 1972, encroaching development forced Franklin Town residents to move north to American Beach. Their Methodist Church, built in 1949, was also moved here where it now serves as the church’s fellowship hall.

A Florida Heritage Landmark

 
Erected
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1972 by The American Beach Property Owners Association and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F417.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African AmericansEntertainmentIndustry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
 
Location. 30° 34.423′ N, 81° 26.71′ W. Marker is in American Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. Marker is at the intersection of Lewis Street and Waldron Street, on the right when traveling east on Lewis Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1840 Lewis Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Dune System Called "NaNa" (within shouting distance of this marker); American Beach at the Crossroads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evans’ Rendezvous (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Evans' Rendezvous (about 300 feet away); First Home on American Beach (about 400 feet away); The Guzman House (about 400 feet away); The Stewart House (about 500 feet away); Ervin’s Rest (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in American Beach.
 
Regarding Historic American Beach. The Afro-American Life Insurance Company was a historic business based in Jacksonville, Florida. It was founded in 1901 by Abraham Lincoln
Historic American Beach Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
2. Historic American Beach Marker
Lewis and his business associates.
Up until the creation of this insurance company, black Americans found it difficult to purchase life insurance, which was unaffordable to most blacks at the time. The insurance company also served as a financial institution as well. The company is responsible for the creation of American Beach in Nassau County, Florida.
 
Also see . . .  National Park Service-Visiting American Beach. American Beach is located on the south end of Amelia Island (Submitted on August 28, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.) 
 
Historic American Beach Marker along Lewis Street image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
3. Historic American Beach Marker along Lewis Street
American Beach was established in 1935 under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln Lewis image. Click for full size.
Underground News Network UNN The American Beach Observer
4. American Beach was established in 1935 under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln Lewis
Historic American Beach Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By National Park Service
5. Historic American Beach Marker
Historic American Beach image. Click for full size.
Photographed By National Park Service, `
6. Historic American Beach
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 852 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   4, 5, 6. submitted on August 28, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

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Mar. 29, 2024