National Register Listing

Abbott Tract Historic District

Roughly bounded by Matanza's Bay, Pine, San Marco, and Shenandoah Aves., St. Augustine, FL
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Military; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

community planning and development non-aboriginal military exploration settlementT politics government architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
During the 19th century, Florida was known as the "Wilderness State" due to its vast stretches of undeveloped land and abundant wildlife.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.