National Register Listing

El Real Retiro

a.k.a. Handley House

636 N. Riverside Dr. & 647 Faulkner St., New Smyrna Beach, FL
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture social history
The Spanish established the first mission in Florida, Mission San Luis de Apalachee, in 1633. The mission was located near present-day Tallahassee and was home to a large Native American population.
Florida random facts
Volusia County, Florida has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Timucua Indians, who thrived on hunting, fishing, and farming along the St. Johns River. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in Florida, led by Juan Ponce de León who claimed the land for Spain. This marked the beginning of European influence in the region.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Volusia County witnessed the arrival of settlers from various backgrounds. These included English, Scottish, and African Americans who established agricultural communities and plantations. The largest settlement, New Smyrna, was established by Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician, in 1768. This settlement, however, faced numerous challenges and ultimately failed.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought significant growth and development to Volusia County. The city of DeLand, founded in 1876, became a key hub in the region. The county also saw the emergence of the tourism industry with the establishment of beachside resorts and hotels, attracting visitors from all over. In 1925, Daytona Beach became known as the "Birthplace of Speed" with the establishment of the Daytona International Speedway, hosting iconic racing events such as the Daytona 500.

Volusia County continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with advancements in transportation, infrastructure, and the arrival of major businesses. The county is home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the world's leading aviation and aerospace institutions. Today, Volusia County remains a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Volusia County, Florida.

  • 1804: The area that would become Volusia County is acquired by the United States through the Treaty of Paris.
  • 1832: The area is established as part of Mosquito County.
  • 1854: Mosquito County is divided, and the southern portion becomes known as Orange County.
  • 1855: Volusia County is established, incorporating the southern portion of Mosquito County.
  • 1876: The county seat is established in Enterprise.
  • 1887: The county seat is moved to DeLand.
  • 1957: The Florida Legislature approves the incorporation of Daytona Beach as a city.
  • 1963: The county seat is officially moved back to DeLand.
  • 1987: The incorporated city of Deltona is established.