St. Johns County, Florida, established in 1821, is one of Florida's original two counties, along with Escambia. It's known for its rich history, including being home to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. The county's history encompasses various periods, from its early Spanish origins to its role in the Seminole Wars and beyond.
Key Periods in St. Johns County History:
Pre-Columbian Period: The area was inhabited by Native American tribes before European arrival.
Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1763): St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and became the capital of Spanish Florida.
British Colonial Period (1763-1783): St. Augustine and the surrounding territory were briefly under British rule.
Second Spanish Colonial Period (1783-1821): Spain regained control before ceding East Florida to the United States.
US Territorial Period (1821-1845): St. Johns County was officially established in 1821, encompassing a large portion of Florida east of the Suwannee River.
Civil War Period (1861-1865): St. Johns County, like the rest of Florida, was involved in the Civil War.
Post-Civil War Period (1865-1885): St. Augustine and the surrounding areas experienced a period of rebuilding and growth.
Flagler Era (1885-1913): The arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad, pioneered by Henry Flagler, led to significant economic development in the region.
20th Century and Beyond: St. Johns County continued to grow and develop, experiencing periods of boom and bust, and ultimately becoming one of Florida's fastest-growing counties.