Historical City Info
New Smyrna is an island lying between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Indian River to the West. You will find some of the finest fishing around in the waters here. To the South of New Smyrna is the Mosquito Lagoon, also known as the Redfish Capital of the world. Private River Boats are available through local fishermen.
New Smyrna is not without its history. Visitors can learn more by visiting the city’s New Smyrna Museum of History and the Black Heritage Museum. New Smyrna Beach has long been a well kept secret. The colonization of the area in 1767 is owed to a group of indentured Mediterranean colonists under the leadership of Scottish physician and diplomat, Dr. Andrew Turnbull. There are still areas in the New Smyrna area that are named after Dr. Turnbull, including a major residential community and golf course.
New Smyrna Museum of History
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
Deep Historic Roots
New Smyrna Beach has deep historic roots—all the way back to 1768, when it was settled by a Scottish physician, a group of indentured Mediterranean colonists under his leadership along with diplomat, Dr. Andrew Turnbull. There are still areas in the New Smyrna area that are named after Dr. Turnbull, including a major residential community and golf course.
Near 1,300 mostly Spanish settlers who intended to grow indigo, sugarcane, and hemp (and make rum, of course). But the course did not run smooth for Turnbull and his colonists, and after a few rough years they decamped north to what became St. Augustine.
The outpost remained a sleepy settlement until 1892, when the famously entrepreneurial Henry Flagler provided rail service to the town of around 125 souls, and a resort boom was born. With citrus and commercial fishing growing the town as well, the 19th century riches of New Smyrna are still on display in its charming historic downtown, from storefronts to a parade of elegant live oaks and palms that shade its sidewalks.
New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins
New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins
On August 12, 1970, the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1830 a steam sugar and saw mill were erected at this site. 5 years later the mills and other buildings were destroyed by Indians. The site was further altered by soldiers who were garrisoned there to keep an eye over the Seminoles.
Canaveral National Seashore
Eldora House
Just to the South of Chateau by the Sea, within the Canaveral National Seashore is the Eldora House. Back in the late 1800’s, Eldora was a prominent area, abundant with orange groves until a freeze in the early 1900’s destroyed the orange crops and turned the town into a ghost town. Now the Eldora House is a museum for all visitors to the New Smyrna Beach area to see and enjoy.
You will find restaurants and shopping within walking distance of Chateau by the Sea. A short 3 mile drive will take you to Flagler Avenue for great specialty shops and the local Theatre, as well as great 5 star restaurants. If you visit during a NASA launch, it can be seen easily from the complex!
So much to do in NSB ~ the whole vacation package without the amusement park! Truly, the old Florida we all love! But don’t be fooled, Port Orange is just 10 miles away if you want to take in a movie or shop until you drop.
