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New Smyrna Beach is a city located on the east coast of Florida in Volusia County. It has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. Here's an overview of the history of New Smyrna Beach:

Early Indigenous Inhabitants: The area around New Smyrna Beach was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua people. They lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers.

Spanish Settlement: In 1768, Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician and entrepreneur, established the colony of New Smyrna. He brought a group of about 1,400 settlers, mostly from the Mediterranean region, to the area. The colony was intended to grow indigo, rice, and other crops. However, the settlement faced numerous hardships, including disease, starvation, and conflicts with Native Americans, leading many settlers to abandon the colony.

British Control: After the American Revolution, Florida became a British territory in 1783. The British maintained control over the area until 1821 when Florida was acquired by the United States as part of the Adams-Onís Treaty.

Territorial Period: During the 19th century, New Smyrna Beach was a part of Florida's territorial period. The area saw the growth of plantations that cultivated sugar cane and cotton, using enslaved African labor. The region also became a popular destination for tourists seeking the benefits of its natural springs.

Incorporation and Development: New Smyrna Beach was officially incorporated as a city in 1887. It became a popular resort destination, attracting tourists with its beautiful beaches, fishing opportunities, and pleasant climate. The city saw significant development in the early 20th century, with the construction of hotels, homes, and infrastructure.

World War II: During World War II, New Smyrna Beach played a role in the war effort. The area was home to the New Smyrna Beach Army Airfield, which trained pilots for the United States Army Air Forces.

Modern Era: In recent decades, New Smyrna Beach has continued to grow and evolve. It has become a popular destination for beachgoers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The city has preserved its historic charm and has a vibrant arts community. New Smyrna Beach is known for its annual festivals, including the New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Skyfest and the New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival.

Today, New Smyrna Beach is a thriving coastal city with a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and modern amenities. It continues to attract visitors from around the world while providing a welcoming home to its residents.

Top Tourist Attractions

New Smyrna Beach offers a variety of tourist attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some of the top attractions in and around New Smyrna Beach:

• Beaches: New Smyrna Beach is known for its pristine and wide sandy beaches, which stretch for approximately 17 miles. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and various water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Smyrna Dunes Park: Located on the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, Smyrna Dunes Park is a scenic coastal park with boardwalks, nature trails, and observation towers. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce de Leon Inlet, and the Indian River. Visitors can explore the park's natural habitats, including dunes, saltwater marshes, and coastal scrub.
• Canaveral National Seashore: Situated just south of New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore is a protected area that encompasses 24 miles of undeveloped barrier island. It offers opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The seashore is also home to the historic Eldora State House, a preserved 19th-century pioneer homestead.
• Flagler Avenue: Located in the heart of New Smyrna Beach, Flagler Avenue is a vibrant and lively street known for its shops, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. It's a great place to stroll, shop for unique gifts, dine at local eateries, or enjoy live music and entertainment.
• New Smyrna Museum of History: This museum showcases the rich history of New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the city's early settlers, indigenous cultures, maritime history, and the impact of the space program at nearby Cape Canaveral. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
• Marine Discovery Center: Situated along the Indian River Lagoon, the Marine Discovery Center offers educational programs and exhibits focused on the local ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can explore interactive displays, take guided eco-tours, rent kayaks or paddleboards, and participate in hands-on activities.
• New Smyrna Speedway: Motorsport enthusiasts can visit the New Smyrna Speedway, a popular racetrack that hosts various racing events throughout the year. It features stock car racing, modifieds, sprint cars, and other exciting races.

These are just a few of the many attractions that make New Smyrna Beach a sought-after destination for tourists. The city also hosts events like art festivals, surfing competitions, and fishing tournaments, ensuring there's always something happening for visitors to enjoy.

Climate

New Smyrna Beach experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Here's an overview of the climate in New Smyrna Beach:

• Summers (June to September): Summers in New Smyrna Beach are hot and humid. Average high temperatures range from the upper 80s°F (around 31°C) to the low 90s°F (around 32-34°C). Humidity levels can be high, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. July and August tend to be the warmest months. It's important to stay hydrated and seek shade or indoor cool spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
• Fall (October to November): Fall in New Smyrna Beach is pleasant and gradually becomes cooler. Temperatures start to decrease, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) to the low 80s°F (around 27-28°C). Humidity levels typically decrease compared to summer, and rainfall becomes less frequent.
• Winters (December to February): Winters in New Smyrna Beach are mild and comfortable. Average high temperatures range from the upper 60s°F (around 19°C) to the low 70s°F (around 21-23°C). Overnight lows can drop into the 40s°F (around 4-9°C) on colder days. Snowfall is extremely rare, and frost is infrequent.
• Spring (March to May): Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and increased rainfall. Average highs climb from the low 70s°F (around 21°C) in March to the upper 70s°F (around 25°C) in May. Springtime is a pleasant season to visit New Smyrna Beach, as the weather is typically mild, and the area's vegetation is lush.
• New Smyrna Beach benefits from its coastal location, which can moderate extreme temperature fluctuations compared to inland areas. The Atlantic Ocean provides a cooling effect during hot summer months, and sea breezes can help make the weather more comfortable. However, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, as thunderstorms can occur during the summer months.

Overall, New Smyrna Beach offers a favorable climate for visitors, with warm summers, mild winters, and enjoyable shoulder seasons.

Geography

It is situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Here are some key geographical features of New Smyrna Beach:

• Barrier Island: New Smyrna Beach is primarily situated on a barrier island known as the New Smyrna Beach Peninsula. The island is about 17 miles long and separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Indian River Lagoon. The beach stretches along the eastern side of the island, providing beautiful sandy shores.
• Atlantic Ocean: The eastern boundary of New Smyrna Beach is formed by the Atlantic Ocean. It offers miles of pristine coastline with sandy beaches, where visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The ocean also influences the local climate and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports.
• Indian River Lagoon: The western boundary of New Smyrna Beach is marked by the Indian River Lagoon, which is part of the Indian River Lagoon system. The lagoon is an estuary that spans more than 150 miles along Florida's east coast. It is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, manatees, fish, and various bird species. The lagoon provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking.
• Canaveral National Seashore: Located just south of New Smyrna Beach, the Canaveral National Seashore is a protected area that includes a portion of the barrier island. It features undeveloped beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and coastal habitats. The seashore provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife observation.
• Mosquito Lagoon: To the south of New Smyrna Beach lies the Mosquito Lagoon, a large shallow lagoon known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, particularly for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
• Ponce de Leon Inlet: Located north of New Smyrna Beach, the Ponce de Leon Inlet is a natural inlet that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Halifax River. It is home to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and a popular tourist attraction.

The geographical location of New Smyrna Beach provides a unique blend of coastal beauty, including beaches, lagoons, and estuaries. It offers a range of recreational activities and scenic vistas for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

Places To Visit:

This was a former burial mound and charnel house. Important early Floridians were kept in this charnel house and attended by the priest. When only the bones were left, the remains were bundled up and buried in the mound. Today this is a small county park on Mound Avenue, south of highway 40 in Ormond Beach.

This was a resort until it became a state park. The resort was advertised as Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth. Nobody can seriously believe that Ponce de Leon made it this far into the central Florida swamps. The spring flows into Spring Garden Creek, into Lake Woodruff, and is part of the St. Johns River system. You can rent canoes and paddleboats, but don't try to take a paddleboat to Lake Woodruff, since it is about three miles away. The favorite feature of this park is the pancake restaurant where you cook your own pancakes on a hot plate on each table.

This park was the home of Timucuans and other, even older groups of Floridians. A dugout canoe found underwater here has been dated to be 5400 years old. That is probably the oldest canoe found in North America. Artifacts date back to 8000 B.C., one of the oldest sites in the area and most certainly connected with the mound village on Tick Island. The ranger's residence sits on top of a mound, but the house was built before it was a state park. An archaeological investigation has just been completed here.

The British grew indigo on plantations here and at Tomoka, and the crops they grew gave this area the name of Spring Garden. In the early 1830's, there was a sugar plantation at these springs owned by Orlando Reeves, which was burned by the Seminoles when the Second Seminole War started. There is a small ruin of Reeves' works.

There was another sugar plantation nearby built by Major Joseph Woodruff. (Lake Woodruff is named after him.) He suffered disaster from the beginning. In 1823 he purchased the land, but had a very difficult time finding it. His Negro guide was lost at first; it was a very remote location and nobody was really sure where it was. Once there, they also had problems with starvation and fever.

Once Woodruff's family had arrived at his Spring Garden purchase, they met Yuchi Billy with his village. Yuchi Billy and his people were Yuchi Indians (also spelled Uchee, Euchee), and are considered Creeks, but a much older group, and spoke a language not related to the more numerous ethnic group of Muskogee Creeks. Yuchi Billy had his village and crops planted at Spring Garden for a long time, and the first thing that Major Woodruff did was drive the Yuchis off the land. They may have been the Indians that returned and destroyed the plantation in early 1836.

Major Woodruff's family suffered from numerous sicknesses. They even adopted children who were orphaned because of the illness in the area. One summer when Mrs. Jane Woodruff had a child, the infant died about the same day from sickness, and the rest of the family was in bad shape themselves and nearly died. After that the family would stay in St. Augustine during the sickly season.

By 1834 the Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff died of sickness in Charleston, and only two of their eight children survived. The ownership of the plantation went to the Woodruff's nephews, Joseph and Henry Woodruff. Their father George Woodruff had a plantation at Volusia. When the Second Seminole War started up, Henry was killed near Volusia by an Indian boy he had once raised. Joseph joined the militia from St. Augustine, known as Captain Douglas Dummett's Mosquito Roarers. When Joseph Woodruff brought the militia forces to pick up supplies and forage for their horses at the Spring Garden plantation, they found the place in flames, and a large group of warriors in the midst of a war dance among the ruins. The militia force received heavy fire and was driven away.

The Dunlawton Plantation was another sugar mill plantation that was destroyed by King Philip and his son Coacoochee (Wildcat) at the beginning of the Second Seminole War. The owners were brothers John and James Anderson, and they were mustered into the Mosquito Roarers militia from St. Augustine. When the Anderson brothers returned with the militia to retrieve all their belongings, cattle, and equipment that were still at the plantation, they found the Indians already occupying the place. All the cattle had been gathered and penned up by the Indians. A skirmish ensued, which turned into a defeat for the militia, and they were forced away under heavy fire.

At the beginning of the battle, Coacoochee charged the soldiers wearing an unusual item on his turban. The lighthouse at Mosquito Inlet (now Ponce de Leon Inlet) had been burned a few days before. Coacoochee was wearing the reflectors from the lighthouse in his turban.

Another skirmish happened in the area of Ponce de Leon Inlet in September 1837, when soldiers captured King Philip and his band. That ended two years of destruction of the plantations, but the days of the east coast sugar plantations were over. But, this was one of the few mills that were rebuilt and operated until the Civil War, when they became Confederate salt works.

In 1856 during the Third Seminole War, there was a community in this area known as Dunlawton. One night the Seminoles attacked the area and burned down many of the homesteads. This put the Florida residents into a panic, because nobody was expecting an attack this far north.

In the mid-20th century, the ruins became a local tourist attraction known as "Sugar Mill Gardens". The old ruins were promoted as a former Spanish mission that was later converted into a sugar mill. In the late 1970's an archaeology excavation revealed the truth of the ruins, which were confirmed as only sugar mill ruins, and not a Spanish mission. While it was a tourist attraction, the owner put up dinosaur statues to get more people to show up. When the state took over the park, the dinosaurs were removed.

The Volusia Museum is now closed. Mrs. Gibson was not able to keep up with it. The artifacts have been donated to the Barberville Pioneer Settlement where she often did volunteer work, and are currently being cataloged. You can visit Barberville Pioneer Settlement at the community of Barberville in west Volusia County, on Hwy. 40 near the intersection of Hwy. 17. I'm leaving the information up because it is very educational.

The town of Volusia on the St. Johns river has long been a major settlement, river crossing, and trading point. Although a small town today, most people in Florida are not aware of its importance in history. Before the Europeans arrived, the Indian town of Maiaca was built on several large shell mounds. By 1558 the Spanish documented the beginnings of the settlement at Volusia, seven years before St. Augustine was founded. Indian mounds served as the foundations of some early buildings.

Volusia in early-recorded history soon became a trading spot where French, Spanish, British, and American artifacts have been recovered. Truly an important crossroads. William Bartram stopped for a while at the Spalding store at Volusia in the 1770's while studying all the plants and fauna in Florida that he could find.

During the Second Seminole War, Forts Call, Columbia, Barnwell, and Volusia were all established on the east side of the St. Johns river on high ground. One the west side in the low, swampy area was Fort Butler.

The Volusia Museum is the private collection of Lillian Gibson. Her family has lived in this area for many generations. Her great uncle was stationed at Fort Volusia during the Second Seminole War. Several years ago she traveled to Washington to copy all the historical documents that mention Volusia, going back to 1558. She started the museum when a bicentennial committee rejected a paper that she had submitted, saying that it was too long. Not being discouraged, Mrs. Gibson turned her paper into a book, Early Days of Volusia.

The Volusia Museum contains artifacts that Mrs. Gibson and her family have unearthed and carefully cataloged. Items displayed include Indian pottery, English & Spanish coins, and military buttons from the Seminole War period. Also Indian pottery and shells, and an arrowhead collection that was personally cataloged for her by the late Ripley Bullen, one of the most famous Archaeologists in Florida history. This one room has artifacts representing all groups and periods of Florida history.

Running a museum by yourself out of a converted garage is not always easy. Once a scoundrel took off with an original copy of William Simmons' 1822 printing of "Notices of East Florida," and cleaned out his hotel room before the police could catch up with him. Mrs. Gibson had to put up a fence to keep back the hoards of treasure hunters & thieves, who would show up with metal detectors on her yard at 6:00 a.m. Her daughter now helps out with the museum.

The museum was off State Road 40 at the St. Johns River crossing. On the east side of the river there is a big, majestic oak tree with a historical marker telling about William Bartram. (First street on the north side after the bridge.)