National Register Listings in
St. Johns County, Florida

Abbott Tract Historic District Alcazar Hotel Avero House Bridge of Lions Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Cathedral of St. Augustine City of St. Augustine Miniature Golf Course Constitution Obelisk Father Francisco Lopez Statue Fort Matanzas National Monument Fort Matanzas NM Headquarters and Visitor Center Fountain of Youth Archeological Park Fullerwood Park Residential Historic District Gonzalez-Alvarez House Government House Grace United Methodist Church Hastings Community Center Hastings High School Hotel Ponce De Leon Lincolnville Historic District Lindsley House Llambias House Lopez, Xavier, House Markland Menendez Encampment Site Milam, Arthur, House Model Land Company Historic District Moultrie Church Nelmar Terrace Historic District North City Historic District O'Reilly House Old St. Johns County Jail Record Building Rodriguez-Avero-Sanchez House Sanchez Homestead Sanchez Powder House Site Solla-Carcaba Cigar Factory Spanish Coquina Quarries St. Augustine Alligator Farm Historic District St. Augustine Civic Center St. Augustine Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters St. Augustine National Cemetery St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District St. Augustine Water Works Stanbury Cottage Villa Zorayda Walker, Horace, House Ximenez-Fatio House
The Fountain of Youth, a legendary spring that was believed to grant eternal youth to those who drank from it, was thought to be located in Florida. Juan Ponce de León is said to have been searching for it when he discovered the land that would become Florida.
Florida random facts
St. Johns County, located in northeastern Florida, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The area was first explored by European settlers in the 1560s, when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of wealth and control. The Spanish established the settlement of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, in 1565. St. Augustine became the capital of Spanish Florida and served as a vital military outpost, fortifying the Spanish presence in the region.

In the 18th century, the British gained control of St. Augustine and the surrounding area after defeating the Spanish in the French and Indian War. During this time, St. Johns County experienced significant growth, with an influx of British settlers and the establishment of plantations. However, the British rule was short-lived as Spain regained control of Florida following the American Revolution.

St. Johns County played a crucial role in the Civil War as it was one of the few Confederate-held areas in Florida. The county saw skirmishes and raids throughout the war, and the city of St. Augustine served as a Confederate blockade-running port. After the war, St. Johns County struggled with economic challenges, including the decline of the plantation system and the devastation caused by the war.

In the early 20th century, St. Johns County experienced a revival as tourism began to flourish. The pristine beaches and historical attractions of St. Augustine attracted visitors from around the country, bolstering the local economy. Today, St. Johns County continues to be a popular tourist destination and has experienced significant population growth. It remains a place where the past seamlessly blends with the present, offering a captivating glimpse into Florida's rich history.

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

  • 1821 - St. Johns County is established as one of the two original counties in Florida.
  • 1823 - The county seat is established in the town of St. Augustine.
  • 1837 - A new courthouse is built in St. Augustine.
  • 1887 - Henry Flagler's East Coast Railway reaches St. Johns County, leading to significant growth in the area.
  • 1914 - The St. Augustine Alligator Farm, one of the oldest continuously operating zoological attractions in the United States, is established.
  • 1965 - St. Johns County Civil Rights demonstrations occur, leading to major changes in the area.
  • 1993 - The World Golf Village opens in St. Johns County, becoming a major attraction for golf enthusiasts.
  • 2005 - St. Johns County is ranked as the wealthiest county in Florida.
  • 2019 - St. Johns County becomes the fastest-growing county in Florida.