William (Billy) Franklin Graham preached his first sermon on Easter Sunday night, March 28, 1947 at the Bostwick Baptist Church near Palatka, Florida. Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 17, 1918. He was saved in a Mordecal Ham . . . — — Map (db m146961) HM
Built in 1921, was in continued use until 1977
Has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
The first floor had four rooms and was used for grades 1 through 8 with two . . . — — Map (db m146963) HM
In 1876, Rt. Rev. John Freeman Young, Episcopal Bishop of Florida, assigned Rev. Charles S. Williams, Brooklyn, NY as missionary. The number of visitors and residents had increased sufficiently by 1877, that a building was needed. The first services . . . — — Map (db m300849) HM
Dedicated August 25, 1973
in honor of Thomas A. Dexter
Crescent City Commission
Bobby L. Wiltcher-Mayor
Commissioners
Jimmy Miller
Dudley Sargent
Jack Deacon
Jerry Ellis — — Map (db m102426) HM
On February 5, 1865 near this site the Battle of Braddocks Farm was fought between the 2nd Florida Cavalry Company's H and B and the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Captain J.J. Dickison, commanding the 2nd FL Cavalry received word that the . . . — — Map (db m216258) HM
Site of the colony of Denys Rolle, English philanthropist. The settlement, composed of 200 indentured servants from the streets of London, was founded in 1767. It did not prosper and the settlers scattered. Negro slaves were imported to tend cattle, . . . — — Map (db m56656) HM
William Bartram, botanist, artist, naturalist, explored St. Johns River area while headquartered near this site in 1774.
Erected by Palatka Daily News in cooperation with Garden Club of Palatka, Tillandsia Wildflower Club and Florida Federation . . . — — Map (db m56639) HM
During the 1870s, Scotsman Charles S. Edgar mined kaolin clay deposits for the Edgar Brothers Clay Company of Metuchen, New Jersey. This clay was used to make heat- resistant bricks and hearth tiles. As the company expanded, Edgar began searching . . . — — Map (db m100893) HM
In the late 1800s, marshlands surrounding an upland area located 15 miles west of Palatka were being drained to make farmland and lure newcomers to the area. The name of the community came from one of the original residents — Flora Sipprell. . . . — — Map (db m194389) HM
People Made this Landscape You're at the north shore of Rodman Reservoir, also known as Lake Ocklawaha. This is the most popular access point for paddling, fishing and sightseeing. The history of this human-made landscape goes back centuries to . . . — — Map (db m167897) HM
The Lincoln Lane school is a historic reminder of segregation in Putnam County. Built in 1938 at a cost "not to exceed $600," the one-room schoolhouse served African American children from grades 1 through 6. Compared with white schools operating in . . . — — Map (db m93081) HM
Formerly known as the "Banana burying grounds," the Melrose non-denominational cemetery was established in 1860 by the Eliam Baptist Church, founded in 1859. The farming community of Banana consisted of small farms, a post office / general store and . . . — — Map (db m101755) HM
Established to educate children of west Putnam County and surrounding communities, Melrose High School began in 1882 as a wooden building on Wynwood Street. In 1927, the school moved to this location when Putnam County constructed a new wooden . . . — — Map (db m101754) HM
Since its beginning as the Literary and Debating Society in 1890, the Melrose Woman's Club has been a major contributor to community development. The formation of the Improvement Society for Melrose in 1891 was one of its first accomplishments. The . . . — — Map (db m101760) HM
In memory of those who entered the Armed Forces from the Melrose area and served our country during World War II.
Dec 7, 1941 – Sept. 2, 1945
We will never forget — — Map (db m153199) WM
The settlement of Banana was located along Etoniah Creek, one mile south of present-day Melrose. The community existed before the Civil War and was the predecessor to Melrose. Settlers originally from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia may . . . — — Map (db m255690) HM
Side 1
In 1881, the Rev. Mr. Franklin of St. John's Episcopal Chapel in Earleton led the service that began Trinity Church. The congregants met fortnightly in a member's home. When the congregation grew to 9 families, members organized a Ladies' . . . — — Map (db m173976) HM
Asa Philip Randolph was one of the most influential political strategists and labor leaders of the 20th century
Asa Philip Randolph was born in Crescent City on April 15, 1889, the son of a Methodist minister. Both parents were supportive . . . — — Map (db m310947) HM
Atlantic Coast Line
222 N. 11th St.
Has Been Placed On The
National Register
Of Historic Places
By The United States
Department Of The Interior
c.1909 — — Map (db m137108) HM
The Flower Hunter William Bartram, naturalist and author of Travels, sailed past Palatka in the spring of 1774. The Seminoles called him "Puc-Puggy," which means "Flower Hunter." The dried flower on this panel is one of the . . . — — Map (db m167990) HM
First marker:
Basil C. Pearce, Jr.
USS Tang Memorial
Dedicated by Richard H. O'Kane, Skipper
August 17, 1943 - October 25, 1944
Elton Brubaker, USS Flier (SS250) Aug. 13, 1944
Constructed by
Basil Pearce Chapter
U.S. . . . — — Map (db m77715) HM WM
At this site, on May 23rd, 1864, Captain John Jackson Dickison, with men from the 2nd Florida Cavalry and a battery from the Milton Light Artillery, disabled and captured the Federal gunboat, Columbine. At the time, Union forces controlled the land . . . — — Map (db m101762) HM
The Bronson-Mulholland house was constructed for Isaac H. Bronson around 1853. A lawyer and United States congressman from New York, Bronson served as a member of the Committee on Territories in the late 1830s. He proposed the act for Florida . . . — — Map (db m80742) HM
"God Was Good to this Country" On a rainy February day in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson spoke to a crowd near here. "God was good to this country… He gave us great estuaries, natural locales for harbors, but he left it to us to dredge them out . . . — — Map (db m167899) HM
Central Academy School was established in 1892 as the only public school for Palatka’s Black population. It originally served first through eighth grades. Later, the school expanded to include all twelve grades. In 1925, due to the efforts and . . . — — Map (db m249428) HM
Two and a-half miles to the east, at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, President Lyndon B. Johnson, on February 27, 1964, dedicated the Start of Construction on the 185-MILE CROSS FLORIDA BARGE CANAL. An estimated audience of 15,000 attended. — — Map (db m129568) HM
Natural Beauty & Tourist Destination
The St. Johns River has always been famous for its natural beauty and was one of the many factors that led to Florida’s development as a tourist destination. Travelling down this ancient resource . . . — — Map (db m220404) HM
Established in May, 1838, this fort was one of the major quartermaster depots in Florida during the Second Seminole War. It operated under Gen. William J. Worth until he assumed command of the armies in Florida. Military facilities included a . . . — — Map (db m94991) HM
T.B. Gillespie, a road contractor was the father of the concept for Ravine Gardens then owned by the City of Palatka.
1,648 men were employed by the Civic Works Council for this $150,000 project. Richard Forrester of Jacksonville was the . . . — — Map (db m131076) HM
Grand Gables Inn
Bed & Breakfast
Once described as "perhaps the finest home in
all Florida,” Palatka Daily News, 1884
The Sherman Conant House, Circa 1884, Located in
historic Palatka Florida . . . — — Map (db m220556) HM
The Hotel James (aka James Hotel) was designed by Henry John Klutho, a nationally known architect of the Prairie School style from Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Klutho designed two other buildings in Palatka. The recently restored Larimer Arts Center . . . — — Map (db m129635) HM
A Man and a Dam The Senator George Kirkpatrick Dam has been a site of conflict for decades — even before its foundations were built. The dam and the Rodman Reservoir were built in the 1960s as part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal. . . . — — Map (db m167898) HM
Natives lived on the St. Johns River Northwest Florida was home to Native Americans for some 15,000 years. About 7,000 years ago, they began settling along the St. Johns River. French and Spanish explorers arrived in what is now Palatka in the . . . — — Map (db m131067) HM
Established as a trading post in 1821, the settlement was burned in the Seminole War (1836). In 1838, the U.S. Government constructed Fort Shannon which served as a garrison, supply depot and hospital for the forts in the southern area of Florida. . . . — — Map (db m172826) HM
Whitewater Branch was the primary water source for Palatka
In 1886-87 Wheeler and Parks Company of Boston, Mass., built the Palatka Waterworks. The steam pumping machinery delivered one million gallons of water in 24 hours. In 1947, the . . . — — Map (db m130073) HM
(front)
"1861-Our Confederate heroes-1865"
Although the flag they died to save
floats not over any land or sea
throughout eternal years shall wave
the banner of their chivalry.
(right)
The principles
for which they . . . — — Map (db m155287) WM
1941 1945
In memoriam
Members of the Putnam County
High School Band
who made the supreme sacrifice
in World War II
James Bryant Solana, Jr.
Elton Stanley Brubaker — — Map (db m77941) WM
1950 1955
Erected to perpetuate
the honored memory of
these citizens
Putnam County, Fla.
who gave their lives
in the Korean Conflict
Pleze Anderson • Thomas L. Bell • Walter W. Downing • Connie W. Jones • Henry R. McGauley . . . — — Map (db m78110) WM
1990 — 1991
In appreciation and memory of
all military service personnel
from Putnam County, Florida
for bravery and service to our
country during the Persian Gulf
War (Operation Desert Storm)
Erected and dedicated by the . . . — — Map (db m78109) WM
1964 1975
Erected to perpetuate
the honored memory of
these citizens
Putnam County, Fla.
who gave their lives
in the Viet Nam conflict
David E. Burney •
Henry A. Deutsch •
Walter Ellis •
John L. Fortner •
Edward B. Fulgham, . . . — — Map (db m78108) WM
Erected to perpetuate
the honored memory of
these citizens
of
Putnam County, Fla.
who gave their lives
in the World War
Edward Abraham • Frederick E. Bailey • Edgar M. Baker • Burroughs Blackman • John Caine • Lucius Campbell • . . . — — Map (db m78138) WM
1941 1945
Erected to perpetuate
the honored memory of
these citizens
of
Putnam County, Fla.
who gave their lives in
the World War II
Thomas Archie Jr. • Amos J. Barber • William J. Barker • Phillip C. Bersch • Andrew B. . . . — — Map (db m78139) WM
Episcopal services in Palatka were first conducted in 1846 by the Rev. John F. Young, later Bishop of Florida (18767-1885). The parish was organized in 1853, and the church completed in 1854. During the Civil War, St. Mark's was used as a . . . — — Map (db m77732) HM
This plant gets its name from the saw-like teeth on the leaf stem. It played an important role in the lives of the Indians and early settlers of Florida. The dark berries and leaf buds were eaten, and the roots furnished tannic acid used in tanning . . . — — Map (db m299391) HM
The natural ravine was developed into Ravine Gardens in the 1930s by the City of Palatka and the Federal Government. The suspension bridges and amphitheater built at that time have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. . . . — — Map (db m130074) HM
During the Civil War (1861-1865), Florida was a Confederate state. Union forces controlled the St. Johns River, threatening Palatka. The hills above the ravines were an ideal location for a militia camp. Soldiers there had fresh water in Whitewater . . . — — Map (db m130075) HM
The First Presbyterian Church of Palatka Has Been Placed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior — — Map (db m167988) HM
In the years following the Civil War, Palatka expanded from a 31-block settlement in 1861 to double that size by the 1880’s. During this expansion distinct neighborhoods formed. One of these was known as the Hammock. The Hammock was considered to be . . . — — Map (db m130150) HM
The Putnam House
Famous Hotel
— On This Site —
1868 - 1922
Mural in memory of
The Hon. H.M. Fearnside
Mayor and Legislator
May 2000 — — Map (db m221473) HM
Palatka Memorial Bridge
Visualized in 1921 at an estimated cost of $375,000, the Memorial Bridge spanning the St. John’s River was completed six years later. The bridge was considered at that time to represent the highest type of modern . . . — — Map (db m78142) HM
This memorial is raised not for the cause of war, nor for the prizes of victory: rather, it is dedicated in honor of the men who fought and died for freedom.
While war is abhorrent to all civilized men, conflict is often necessary for the . . . — — Map (db m77942) WM
In 1774, while coasting past a Seminole settlement on the riverfront
of what is now Palatka, William Bartram wrote in his book, Travels:
"There were 8 to 10 habitations facing the river. Some of the youth were naked up to their hips in . . . — — Map (db m240766) HM
Erected in honor of all Vietnam veterans who patriotically and unselfishly served our country in defense of freedom. Their service to country, loyalty to mankind, dedication to liberty and personal sacrifices are an inspiration to all . . . — — Map (db m77716) WM
Built in 1916 by famed architect Henry John Klutho, the Hotel James was, for decades, the premier overnight choice for Palatka visitors. Frequented by a wide range of famous guests, including Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, Bob Feller and many others, the . . . — — Map (db m302026) HM
(side 1)
Landing at What is Now Palatka
“I suddenly saw before me an Indian settlement or village…
There were eight or ten habitations…Some of the youth were naked up to their hips in the water, fishing with rods and lines, . . . — — Map (db m220230) HM
Side 1
Greetings from Putnam County's
Historic Palatka
Side 2
America250FL Road Trip
Putnam County's Palatka, along the St. Johns River, captivates with historic charm. The . . . — — Map (db m311440) HM
“North Historic District”
The North Historic District first became known as “Reid’s Garden in the 1840’s when the land it occupies was deeded to R.R. Reid. Reid was at that time the head of a mercantile company and the son of a Florida . . . — — Map (db m220411) HM
U.S. Navy submarines paid heavily for their success in World War II. A total of 374 officers and 3131 men are on board these 52 U.S. Submarines still on “patrol.”
Albacore • Amberjack • Argonaut • Barbel • Bonefish • Bullhead • Capelin • Cisco . . . — — Map (db m220228) HM WM
After preaching in private homes south of Palatka. Samuel T. Stanland and Silas Weeks met with members of the community at Mud Lake to constitute a Baptist church on July 19, 1852. Three days later. Bryant Osteen and Jesse, an enslaved Black man . . . — — Map (db m264318) HM
Panel 1:
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is an ancient American Indian site that includes the burial mound beyond this display, as well a the remains of a Spanish mission and associated village. The mound was built around 1,000 years ago by . . . — — Map (db m93077) HM
Indians constructed the mound and earthworks of this site between A.D. 1250 and 1500. They built the mound as a place to bury their dead, and it grew in phases.
When Clarence B. Moore excavated portions of the mound in the 1890s, he discovered . . . — — Map (db m93075) HM
Mount Royal has been a favored location for people to live for thousands of years. Archaeological sites include a Native American burial mound, earthworks, village area, and evidence of a British plantation, as well as the remains of a Spanish . . . — — Map (db m60469) HM
