95-740: Palatka ( / p ə ˈ l æ t k ə / ) is a city in and the county seat of Putnam County , Florida , United States. Palatka is the principal city of the Palatka Micropolitan Statistical Area , which is home to 72,893 residents. The Palatka micropolitan area is included in the Jacksonville—Kingsland–Palatka, FL-GA Combined Statistical Area . The city is the location of the St. Johns River State College , St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters, and Ravine Gardens State Park . Local festivals include
190-459: A ferry across the river. He bought a 1,200-acre (4.9 km) tract in 1826 and another of equal size the next year. The ferry landing and related site became a distribution point. A New York company shipped goods from here to supply immigrants at the Grant of Arredondo, which lay to the west. The arrival of land-hungry European-American settlers created confrontations with the resident Seminole. When
285-454: A garrison , supply depot and hospital. By 1842 most of the Seminole had moved to Indian Territory, and Fort Shannon was abandoned by the army in 1843. Settlers made use of the military piers and buildings, including eight blockhouses, to develop the town. By 1847, it was growing rapidly. In 1849, Putnam County was created, with Pilatka the county seat. With the help of Judge Isaac H. Bronson, it
380-411: A legislative body called a commission. Palatka's commission is composed of five elected commissioners, one being the mayor/commissioner. The mayor and commissioners serve four year terms. The offices are non-partisan; no candidate is allowed to declare a party affiliation. The role of the commission is to set policy, pass ordinances and resolutions, adopt regulations, and appoint city officials, including
475-489: A female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95. In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 24.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 24.20% from 25 to 44, 25.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
570-431: A few days later he left Fort Prince George and Keowee ( 34°51′49″N 82°54′06″W / 34.863616°N 82.901575°W / 34.863616; -82.901575 ) after not being able to procure a guide . In addition to his botanizing, Bartram aptly described the journey: ...all alone in a wild Indian country, a thousand miles from my native land, and a vast distance from any settlements of white people. It
665-488: A former Putnam County school resource deputy was accused of sneaking into a student's home to sexually batter her while her mom was at work or asleep, and asking her to dress up as a younger child and call him “daddy”, starting when she was 15 years of age, it was announced that the Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission would review the case. The case was sent to the commission by
760-451: A household in the city was $ 18,129, and the median income for a family was $ 26,076. Males had a median income of $ 27,716 versus $ 19,187 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 11,351. About 27.9% of families and 33.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 41.0% of those under age 18 and 19.6% of those age 65 or over. The composition of the Palatka area economy
855-514: A large rattlesnake that had entered their camp. They entreated "Puc Puggy" to come kill the snake, which Bartram reluctantly agreed to do. Later he saw three young men approaching. He wrote: I observed one of them was a young prince who had, on my first interview with him, declared himself my friend and protector, when he told me that if ever occasion should offer in his presence, he would risk his life to defend mine or my property. This young champion stood by his two associates, one on each side of him,
950-399: A little sailboat. In three days Bartram landed at the plantation of Francis Philip Fatio at Switzerland . There he received information concerning the recent disturbances at Spalding's Stores. He paused the next day at Fort Picolata where he had failed as a planter seven years earlier. Bartram then kept to the west bank, or Indian shore, the river being the division between Indian country on
1045-490: A lot of White Southerners were against Democrat Al Smith due to his Northern Catholic background) and Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950s . The county also backed Independent segregationist George Wallace in 1968 and Democrat Jimmy Carter in both of his bids. Today a staunchly Republican county, the last Democratic presidential candidate to win Putnam was Bill Clinton , the last to come within single digits of doing so
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#17328528495481140-452: A major employer. At its peak, it was the second-largest cypress mill in the world. It closed in 1944, as the timber industry moved out of the area. The Great Freeze of 1894 and 1895 destroyed Palatka's citrus groves for five years. Formerly they had been both a tourist attraction and important sector of the economy. The ill-fated Cross Florida Barge Canal was once intended to pass the city. Today, tourism remains important. The total area
1235-424: A number of essays, contributed to several works anonymously, and helped run the family horticultural business. In 1802, Bartram met the school teacher Alexander Wilson and began to teach him the rudiments of ornithology and natural history illustration. Wilson's American Ornithology includes many references to Bartram and the area around Bartram's Garden . Among Bartram's more significant later contributions were
1330-462: A process of ethnogenesis , they joined with other Native Americans and the Seminole tribe emerged. They called the location Pilo-taikita , meaning "crossing over" or "cows' crossing". Here the St. Johns River narrows and begins a shallower, winding course upstream to Lake George and Lake Monroe . In 1767, Denys Rolle (1725–1797), an English gentleman and philanthropist, established Rollestown on
1425-596: A request to teach botany at the University of Pennsylvania, and in his sixties, declined an invitation from President Thomas Jefferson to accompany an expedition up the Red River in the Louisiana Territory , in 1806. Bartram died at his home in 1823, at the age of 84. According to a short biography penned by Robert Carr, "He wrote an article on the natural history of a plant a few minutes before his death." Details of
1520-526: A subtropical climate, however, most left. Next Rolle purchased enslaved Africans taken captive in West Africa. He used them as workers to tend livestock, such as chickens, hogs, goats and sheep, or cultivate and process cotton, indigo, citrus and turpentine for export to Europe. He built a mansion and laid out a village, but trouble beleaguered his "ideal society". In 1770, a disgruntled overseer sold more than 1,000 of his employer's cattle and disappeared with
1615-521: A trip to Cuscowilla ( Micanopy ) and Alachua Savannah, now Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park . In late May, Bartram traveled up the St. Johns River to Spalding's Upper Store at present-day Astor and to Blue Spring . Some of the most memorable events in Travels occurred during this trip upriver when a wolf stole his fish as Bartram slept, he was jostled and threatened by alligators while fishing from his boat, and he
1710-399: Is Jacksonville International Airport , approximatively 68 miles (109 km) north of Palatka. The closest major international airport is Orlando International Airport . Palatka has one sister city . Putnam County, Florida Putnam County is a county located in the northern part of the state of Florida . As of the 2020 census , the population was 73,321. Its county seat
1805-531: Is Palatka . Putnam County comprises the Palatka, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area , which is included in the Jacksonville — Kingsland —Palatka, Florida— Georgia Combined Statistical Area . The county is centrally located between Jacksonville, Gainesville , St. Augustine , and Daytona Beach . Putnam County was created in 1849. It was Florida 's 28th county created from parts of St. Johns , Alachua , Orange , Duval , and Marion counties. The county
1900-566: Is 7.5 square miles (19 km). The city is located in the southern portion of the Lower St. Johns River basin. Palatka has a humid subtropical climate , Köppen climate classification Cfa. The area's warm and humid climate is caused primarily by its proximity to the Gulf Stream , which flows off the east coast of Florida. There are two major seasons which characterize the area. One is hot and rainy, lasting from June until late September. The other
1995-516: Is another large manufacturing company operating in Palatka. Their facility is located in Barge Port on the St. Johns River. The Eau Claire, Wisconsin -based bridge builder utilizes the river for the transportation of its finished products. PDM Bridge is notable for the fabrication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge structure. The Palatka area was of early significance in accessing the interior of
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#17328528495482090-583: Is centrally located between large population centers in Jacksonville , a large educational institute in Gainesville , and tourist hubs in St. Augustine and Orlando . The bundled US 17, SR 20 and SR 100 cross the Memorial Bridge over the St. Johns River toward East Palatka. Bus transportation in the city is provided by Ride Solution . The agency is responsible for public transit throughout all of Putnam County, Florida. Established in 1986 as ARC Transit,
2185-459: Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Though there are no discernible architectural styles in the outgrowth areas, a notable building technique has been used in the construction of the 23,000-square-foot (2,100 m) Children's Reading Center Charter School. Five monolithic dome structures crown the facility and give it a distinct style. The following entries are listed on
2280-462: Is much obliged to thee for his drawing paper...he hath drawn many rare birds in order to send to thee & dryed ye birds to send to his friend edwards to whome he is much obliged for those two curious bookes...he spent his time this spring in shooting & drawing ye rare birds of quick passage..." William Bartram arrived in Charleston on March 31, 1773. He learned that a Native American congress
2375-461: Is the dry season, October through May, which brings more moderate temperatures and less frequent rainfall. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 10,446 people, 4,419 households, and 2,088 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 10,558 people, 4,113 households, and 2,466 families residing in the city. As of the census of 2000, there are 10,033 people, 3,880 households, and 2,421 families residing in
2470-473: Is under a pear tree that grewe at the south corner of the house. You have doubtless seen it. The old man, then in his 86th year, rose from the Table, taking with him a bit of bread & cheese, saying - "I will do as the boys do." In going out, he reached the pear tree - where he was shortly after discovered throwing up blood from his lungs. A crumb, it supposed, choaking him, he ruptured, in his efforts to dislodge it,
2565-458: Is unreflective of Florida as a whole. Unlike many cities in the state, Palatka has a large manufacturing sector, employing 17.2% of the city's total civilian workforce. Comparatively, Florida's statistics indicate 5.9% of the state's entire workforce is employed by the manufacturing sector. Georgia Pacific is the single largest private employer in the city. The Koch -owned firm employs 1,470 people at its pulp, paper, and plywood operations. PDM Bridge
2660-433: The 2020 United States census , there were 73,321 people, 29,822 households, and 18,179 families residing in the county. As of the 2000 United States Census there were 70,423 people, 27,839 households, and 19,459 families residing in the county. The population density was 98 people per square mile (38 people/km ). There were 33,870 housing units at an average density of 47 per square mile (18/km ). The racial makeup of
2755-859: The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad but also served the Seaboard Air Line Railroad , the Southern Railway , Florida East Coast Railroad , and the Ocklawaha Valley Railroad . Additionally, the Edgar Spur of the CSX Wildwood Subdivision enters the western edge of the county from Alachua County . 29°37′N 81°44′W / 29.61°N 81.74°W / 29.61; -81.74 William Bartram William Bartram (April 20, 1739 – July 22, 1823)
2850-614: The Catskill Mountains , the New Jersey Pine Barrens , New England , and Florida . From his mid-teens, Bartram was noted for the quality of his botanic and ornithological drawings. He also had an increasing role in the maintenance of his father's botanic garden , and added many rare species to it. On "may ye 30th 1756", his father John wrote the following passage in a letter to the English naturalist Peter Collinson : "Billy
2945-612: The Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach , Gainesville , and Jacksonville metropolitan statistical areas all had better performing unemployment statistics than Palatka in 2011, when the unemployment rate in the Palatka Micropolitan Statistical Area was 13.8%. Gainesville showed the most favorable conditions with an unemployment rate of 8.7%. Statistics for Palm Coast and Ocala both indicated unemployment rates higher than that of Palatka. Regionally,
Palatka, Florida - Misplaced Pages Continue
3040-696: The Florida Azalea Festival and the Blue Crab Festival. The population was 10,446 at the 2020 census , down from 10,558 at the 2010 census. The area was once the domain of the Timucuan peoples, two tribes of which existed in the Palatka region under chiefs Saturiwa and Utina . They fished bass and mullet , or hunted deer , turkeys , bear and opossum . Others farmed beans , corn , melons , squash , and tobacco . However, infectious disease that came with European contact and war devastated
3135-488: The Romantic writers of the day. William Wordsworth , Samuel Taylor Coleridge , and François-René de Chateaubriand are known to have read the book, and its influence can be seen in many of their works. Although Bartram has often been characterized as a recluse, all evidence shows that he remained active in commercial, scientific, and intellectual pursuits well into the nineteenth century. He tutored nieces and nephews, penned
3230-627: The Suwannee River . He traveled one last time up the St. Johns River in September and left Florida forever in November 1774. On April 22, 1775 Bartram left Charleston, South Carolina on horseback to explore the Cherokee Nation. After passing through Augusta May 10, Dartmouth on May 15 ( 35°19′41″N 82°52′28″W / 35.328003°N 82.874571°W / 35.328003; -82.874571 ),
3325-414: The U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 827 square miles (2,140 km ), of which 728 square miles (1,890 km ) is land and 99 square miles (260 km ) (12.0%) is water. The county contains various sinkhole lakes such as Lake Barco and Lake Suggs , where unconsolidated deposits on the surface have slumped into the highly soluble limestone of the upper Floridan aquifer . As of
3420-517: The city manager . While the mayor serves as a presiding officer of the commission, the city manager is the administrative head of the municipal government, and is responsible for the administration of all departments. The mayor is Robbi Correa. The main center for higher education in the city is St. Johns River State College . In 1958, the institute opened in Palatka to 191 students. The school serves Putnam, Clay, and St. Johns Counties and enrols approximately 10,000 students. The Palatka campus serves as
3515-465: The poverty line , including 30.60% of those under age 18 and 13.10% of those age 65 or over. As of 2017 the largest self-reported ethnic/ancestry groups in Putnam County, Florida are: The main campus of St. Johns River State College is located in Palatka (the county seat). First Coast Technical College is public, post secondary vocational school with a campus in Palatka. When in November 2022
3610-570: The Cherokee Country, etc. It was considered at the time one of the foremost books on American natural history. Many of Bartram's accounts of historical sites were the earliest records, including the Georgia mound site of Ocmulgee . In addition to its contributions to scientific knowledge, Travels is noted for its original descriptions of the American countryside. Bartram's writing influenced many of
3705-498: The Chief and his party had determined to break up the business, and return the shortest way home, and forbad the surveyors to proceed any farther: however, after some delay, the complaisance and prudent conduct of the Colonel made them change their resolution; the Chief became reconciled, upon condition that the compass should be discarded, and rendered incapable of serving on this business; that
3800-459: The Chief himself should lead the survey; and, moreover, receive an order for a very considerable quantity of goods. Bartram returned to Savannah in mid-July and spent the fall and winter on the coast of Georgia, exploring the Altamaha River, writing his report, and preparing his seeds for shipment to England. In March 1774, Bartram began his much-anticipated trip to East Florida . He landed on
3895-637: The National Register of Historic Places: Historically, up to sixteen hundred people were employed at the Wilson Cypress Company mills, and a space was needed to further the education of its young working men. Funds for the first Palatka Public Library were provided by James Ross Mellon, son of Judge Thomas Mellon of Pittsburgh, who regularly wintered in Florida. Founded in 1930, the Larimer Library
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3990-546: The Native Americans questioned the accuracy of the surveyor's course. When the surveyor said it was right because the compass told him so the chief, Young Warrior, said that, ... the little wicked instrument was a liar; and he would not acquiesce in its decisions, since it would wrong the Indians out of their land. This mistake (the surveyor proving to be in the wrong) displeased the Indians; the dispute arose to that height, that
4085-732: The Putnam County Sheriff, who was seeking to have the deputy's certification as a law enforcement officer permanently revoked. In September 2024, the deputy was sentenced with life in prison plus 235 years for his crimes. Putnam County is served by the Putnam County Library System which has five branches: Up until the Civil Rights Act , Putnam County typically followed the Solid South pattern of voting Democratic, making exceptions for Herbert Hoover in 1928 (though
4180-606: The Putnam County government has adopted policies focused on facilitating Ecotourism in the region. Nature trails are being expanded and kayaking waterways have been improved and mapped. Portions of the Florida Trail runs through the area and connect local hiking trails to other trail systems in parks throughout the region. Ocala National Forest is the second largest National Forest in the state. Other large parks include Welaka State Forest , Etoniah Creek State Forest and Dunns Creek State Park . Other conservation areas exist under
4275-782: The Union troops on the day of the supposed raid in what is known as the Battle of Horse Landing. Following the war, the tourists returned. New accommodations were constructed including the Putnam House, built by Hubbard L. Hart , and the Larkin House, which could hold 250 guests. Steamers ran up the Ocklawaha River to Eustis , Leesburg and Silver Springs , or along the St. Johns River to Enterprise and Sanford . Industries included logging, raising cattle and hogs, and orange groves. On May 24, 1875,
4370-585: The administrative center, it also houses the Florida School of the Arts and the local St. Leo University branch. Public primary and secondary education is operated by Putnam County Public Schools, officially known as the Putnam County School District (PCSD). According to 2007 enrollment numbers, the district is home to 12,101 students. Palatka has one public traditional high school. Palatka High School
4465-510: The age of 17, he collected the type specimens of 14 species of American birds, which were illustrated and described by the English naturalist George Edwards in Gleanings of Natural History vol. 2 (1760). These accounts formed the basis of the scientific descriptions of Linnaeus (1707–1778), Johann Friedrich Gmelin (1748–1804) and John Latham (1740–1837). Bartram also made significant contributions to botanical literature. Like his father, he
4560-677: The area while he awaited the conclusion of the Native American congress. The conference ended on June 3, 1773 with the Treaty of Augusta. In return for dissolving their debts to the traders in Augusta, the Creeks and Cherokees gave up 674,000 acres of land in northeast Georgia. Bartram joined the survey party as it marked the boundary. An incident occurred at a place known as the Great Buffalo Lick when
4655-545: The changes by different European nations in Florida, there were changes in claims in Pilo-taikita, now contracted to Pilatka . In 1774, naturalist William Bartram noted an Indian village on the west bank, but it was later abandoned. The current community of Palatka was traced by pioneers to a European-American settlement established here in 1821. After the United States acquired Florida in 1821, Nehemiah Brush established
4750-543: The city's historical districts include Victorian , Colonial Revival , Art Deco , Classical Revival , and Prairie School . The James Hotel was designed by architect Henry John Klutho in 1916 in the Prairie School style. Klutho also designed the Larimer Memorial Library , named after the wife of James Ross Mellon, eldest son of Judge Thomas Mellon . The library is a fusion of Prairie School and Art Deco, and
4845-411: The city, which include downtown and the historic districts, are characterized by a gridded street system. A significant amount of the original brick roads survive in this area. The western outlying suburban areas are primarily characterized by an amorphous road pattern. The city of Palatka is actively working toward redevelopment of its riverfront and downtown area. Architectural styles represented in
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#17328528495484940-443: The city. The population density was 1,442.1 inhabitants per square mile (556.8/km). There were 4,318 housing units at an average density of 620.7 units per square mile (239.7 units/km). The racial makeup of the city was 48.93% White , 48.43% African American , 0.16% Native American , 0.44% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 1.04% from other races , and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of
5035-418: The county was 77.91% White , 17.04% Black or African American , 0.42% Native American , 0.44% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 2.94% from other races , and 1.20% from two or more races. 5.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 27,839 households, out of which 28.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.80% were married couples living together, 12.90% had
5130-443: The daily Silver Meteor and Silver Star intercity rail services. The Palatka Amtrak station is a historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot located at 220 North Eleventh Street. The station was added in 1988 to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places . Palatka Municipal Airport is a public-use, general aviation airport located 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Downtown Palatka. The nearest international airport
5225-414: The deep his rival champion. They suddenly dart upon each other. The boiling surface of the lake marks their rapid course, and a terrific conflict commences. They now sink to the bottom folded together in horrid wreaths. The water becomes thick and discolored. Again they rise, their jaws clap together, re-echoing through the deep surrounding forests. Again they sink, when the contest ends at the muddy bottom of
5320-440: The development of Palatka since the day of its inception. Steamboats were the main economic driving force in the city's early years. The river is no longer a primary means of passenger transportation, but remains of strategic importance in the movement of goods and services. Today, airports, railroads, and highways make up the main infrastructure of passenger travel. Palatka's own transportation infrastructure remains important as it
5415-520: The din of thunder; the tempestuous scene damps my spirits, and my horse sinks under me at the tremendous peals, as I hasten for the plain. I began to ascend the Jore Mountains , which I at length accomplished, and rested on the most elevated peak; from whence I beheld with rapture and astonishment, a sublimely awful scene of power and magnificence, a world of mountains piled upon mountains. Having contemplated this amazing prospect of grandeur, I descended
5510-468: The earth; the birds afraid to utter a chirrup, and in low tremulous voices take leave of each other, seeking covert and safety; every insect is silenced, and nothing heard but the roaring of the approaching hurricane; the mighty cloud now expands its sable wings, extending from North to South, and is driven irresistibly on by the tumultuous winds, spreading his livid wings around the gloomy concave, armed with terrors of thunder and fiery shafts of lightning; now
5605-540: The east bank of the St. Johns River, at the head of deepwater navigation. His 78,000-acre (320 km) plantation was a commercial experiment. He recruited settlers off the streets of London to serve as indentured servant/workers: they included paupers, vagrants, pickpockets and "penitent prostitutes". He paid for their passage and if they survived the term of indenture, they could receive land. Some two hundred indentured servants arrived to clear wilderness for agriculture and livestock. Unaccustomed to such physical labor and
5700-435: The employment numbers of Palm Coast have been hit hardest; the bedroom community has an unemployment rate currently at 16.6%. As with many cities in the United States, development has occurred in a radial pattern from the city center to beyond the incorporated area. Due to the historical importance of Palatka as a southeastern interior port, much of the urban development is oriented toward the riverfront. The eastern sections of
5795-399: The event were described in a letter by Thomas L. McKenney to Dolley Madison , dated July 28, 1835: "My Dear Madam, / You once did me the favor to send me some lines on the traveller & Botanist Bartram. I send with this a likeness of that excellent man ... On a visit receently [sic] to Bartram's garden Mr. Car pointed out the spot where the old man died. You will doubtless remember it. It
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#17328528495485890-643: The government attempted to relocate the tribe to the west of the Mississippi as part of Indian Removal starting in 1833, the Second Seminole War began. The Seminole attacked and burned Pilatka in 1835. Recognizing the site's strategic importance for control of the St. Johns River, the main artery into Central Florida , the US Army in 1838 established Fort Shannon, named for Captain Samuel Shannon. It included
5985-618: The illustrations for his friend Benjamin Smith Barton 's explanation of the Linnaean system, Elements of Botany (1803–04). After the War of 1812, when many of his colleagues, contacts, and friends had died, Bartram settled into a long period of work, observation, and study at the family's garden in Kingsessing. He maintained a "Diary" that records bird migrations, plant life, and the weather. He refused
6080-476: The labor force; 45.6% were employed and 7.6% unemployed. Compared to Florida's average, Palatka has a higher percentage of unemployed. Of the same survey, the State's unemployment was 4.6% of the available labor force. The current Florida unemployment rate, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, stands at 7.0%. The Palatka area is bordered on all sides by four separate metropolitan statistical areas . Of those,
6175-416: The lake, and the vanquished makes a hazardous escape, hiding himself in the muddy turbulent waters and sedge on a distant shore. The proud victor exulting returns to the place of action. The shores and forests resound his dreadful roar, together with the triumphing shouts of the plaited tribes around, witnesses of the horrid combat. During the summer Bartram made another excursion to Alachua Savannah and on to
6270-411: The lofty forests bend low beneath its fury, their limbs and wavy boughs are tossed about and catch hold of each other; the mountains tremble and seem to reel about, and the ancient hills to be shaken to their foundations: the furious storm sweeps along, smoaking through the vale and over the resounding hills; the face of the earth is obscured by the deluge descending from the firmament, and I am deafened by
6365-490: The management of the Putnam Land Conservancy and St. Johns River Water Management District . Both entities operate regionally and identify and protect ecologically sensitive areas. If progress continues, and ecotourism creates a vibrant local economy, economic incentives could drive further preservation of the natural habitats, benefitting the environment as a whole. Of residents aged 16 years and over, 53.3% were in
6460-513: The money. Rolle hired new overseers and bought more slaves, but the plantation failed to prosper. When Spain resumed control of Florida in 1783 for a period, Rolle abandoned the colony and chartered a ship to carry his household belongings, livestock and slaves to a 2,000-acre (8.1 km) estate on Great Exuma in the Bahamas . This point of land, in East Palatka, is still called Rollestown. With
6555-559: The north end of Amelia Island and traveled through Old Fernandina to Lord Egmont's plantation where modern Fernandina now stands. Bartram was entertained by Stephen Egan, Egmont's agent, who rode with him around the entire island observing the plantation and Indian mounds. Bartram and Egan sailed from Amelia Island through the Intracoastal Waterway to the St. Johns River and to the Cow Ford ( Jacksonville ) where Bartram purchased
6650-452: The original paratransit services have expanded to include regular bus services, express bus services, and vanpools. Recently, bus design and manufacturing has become a way Ride Solution is helping improve community transportation. The Brevi Bus was created to handle the rugged terrain and unpaved roads of rural Putnam County. The Bus was designed locally by Ride Solution and is expected to improve access by 30 percent. Amtrak serves Palatka by
6745-489: The pinnacles... (probably Wayah Bald 35°10′49″N 83°33′38″W / 35.1803705°N 83.5604395°W / 35.1803705; -83.5604395 ) Bartram returned to Philadelphia in January 1777 and assisted his brother John in all aspects of running Bartram's Garden . In the late 1780s, he completed the book for which he became most famous, Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida,
6840-415: The population. In 2000, there were 3,880 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 24.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% are other types of families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
6935-632: The post office changed the spelling to Palatka. By the 1880s, several competing railroads crossed the community, which became an important junction . These included the Florida Southern Railroad, the Jacksonville, Tampa and Key West Railroad , the St. Augustine and Palatka Railway, and the Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad . On November 7, 1884, Palatka suffered a devastating fire. When tourists arrived that season, most accommodations had been lost. They continued on trains south; this
7030-579: The region of Fort Barrington on the Altamaha River . John and William Bartram had discovered two new trees there in 1765, but they had no flowers for the season was late. William described these trees in Travels , the Franklin tree ( Franklinia alatamaha ) and fevertree ( Pinkneya pubens ). The Franklin tree no longer exists in the wild and all living trees are descended from seeds collected by William Bartram. Bartram then traveled to Augusta and explored
7125-783: The state. This significance was due to its location at the end of an expansive portion of waterway at the divide between the upper and lower St. Johns River . First established as a trading outpost, tourism would eventually boom and fuel growth for decades. The decline of waterborne travel in Northeast Florida, and the United States in general, ultimately reduced the importance of tourism in the city. Nowadays, large international airports and bypassing interstate highways carry vacationers to destinations further south. Only 7.1% of Palatka's labor force works in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services, compared to Florida's 15.5% across tourist related industries. In recent years,
7220-519: The tribes, and they were extinct as organized peoples by the mid-18th century. Some of their survivors merged with other tribes; other Timucua evacuated with the Spanish to Cuba in 1763, when Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in an exchange of interests after the latter's defeat of France in the Seven Years' War . During the late eighteenth century, Creek (Muscogee) tribes made their way to Florida. In
7315-450: The two affecting a countenance and air of displeasure and importance, instantly presenting their scratching instruments, and flourishing them, spoke boldly, and said that I was too heroic and violent, that it would be good for me to loose some of my blood to make me more mild and tame, and for that purpose they were come to scratch me; they gave me no time to expostulate or reply, but attempted to lay hold on me, which I resisted, and my friend,
7410-478: The war were Confederate spy Lola Sánchez and her sisters. Sánchez became upset when their father was falsely accused of being a Confederate spy and imprisoned by Union Army soldiers. Union officers took over their house in Palatka. On one occasion Sánchez overheard various officers’ planning a raid and alerted the Confederates forces. Confederate forces, led by Capt. John Jackson Dickison , surprised and captured
7505-470: The west bank and English land on the east. He observed a Seminole village on the bluff where Palatka now stands and where he was invited to a watermelon feast that summer. Just south of Palatka, at Stokes Landing, James Spalding built his Lower Store where Bartram made his headquarters while in Florida. One day while working at his desk Bartram heard a disturbance in the adjacent Indian camp. Stepping outside he discovered his Seminole neighbors were alarmed by
7600-520: The young prince, interposed and pushed them off, saying that I was a brave warrior and his friend, that they should not insult me, when instantly they altered their countenance and behaviour; they all whooped in chorus, took me friendly by the hand, clapped me on the shoulder and laid their hands on their breasts in token of sincere friendship, and laughing aloud, said I was a sincere friend to the Siminoles,... Bartram joined Spalding's traders in mid-April on
7695-521: Was Al Gore in 2000 , and the last to garner 40% of the county vote was John Kerry in 2004 . According to the Secretary of State's office, Republicans are a plurality of registered voters in Putnam County. The historic Old Atlantic Coast Line Union Depot is the current Amtrak station in Palatka for Putnam County along the CSX Sanford Subdivision . Originally the station not only served
7790-411: Was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.10. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.8 males. In 2000, the median income for
7885-415: Was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 28,180, and the median income for a family was $ 34,499. Males had a median income of $ 29,975 versus $ 20,955 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 15,603. About 15.80% of families and 20.90% of the population were below
7980-561: Was a member of the American Philosophical Society , elected in 1768. The standard author abbreviation W.Bartram is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name . The son of Ann ( née Mendenhall) and the naturalist John Bartram , William and his twin sister Elizabeth were born in Kingsessing, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania . As a boy, he accompanied his father on many of his travels to
8075-551: Was an American naturalist, writer and explorer. Bartram was the author of an acclaimed book, now known by the shortened title Bartram's Travels , which chronicled his explorations of the Southern Colonies of British North America from 1773 to 1777. Bartram has been described as "the first naturalist who penetrated the dense tropical forests of Florida". Bartram was one of the first ornithologists born in America. In 1756, at
8170-512: Was formed in 1977 after the merger of Palatka Central High School and Palatka South High School. The Putnam County Library System serves Putnam County, Florida with five locations. The Palatka Library location operates as the systems headquarters. HCA Florida Putnam Hospital in Palatka is a 99-bed acute care facility servicing all of Putnam County, and features medical and surgical units, 24-hour emergency, critical care, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient rehabilitation. Transportation has been key in
8265-499: Was gifted in commemoration of James Mellon's wife, Rachel Larimer, and was described as a "poor man's university" and "the rock on which to build an enlightened citizenry." The Larimer Memorial Library contains an arts center, and the Palatka Public Library was moved to the campus of the St. Johns River Community College. Palatka uses the commission-manager form of municipal government, with all governmental powers resting in
8360-455: Was incorporated as a city on January 8, 1853. During the 1850s, Florida in general and Pilatka in particular gained a reputation as a seasonal haven for invalids and others escaping severe northern winters. Steamboats carried them up the St. John's River in increasing numbers. One visitor wrote that amusements included "sailing, fishing, rowing, walking, riding in buggies and on horseback, whist, euchre, backgammon and hunting". The tourist trend
8455-537: Was interrupted by the Civil War , when gunboats cruised the waters. Pilatka was destitute and largely deserted. On October 7, 1862, the USS Cimarron fired several shells over the town after seeing some Confederate cavalry . Mary Boyd pleaded with Union Commander Maxwell Woodhull to spare Pilatka, assuring him that the horse soldiers were not residents. He complied. Among the notable residents of Pilatka during
8550-566: Was named for Benjamin A. Putnam , who was an officer in the First Seminole War , a lawyer, Florida legislator, and the first president of the Florida Historical Society . The Putnam County Historical Society has determined that Benjamin A. Putnam is the grandson of Israel Putnam , for whom other counties and places in the United States are named. Benjamin A. Putnam died in the county seat of Palatka in 1869. According to
8645-443: Was now after noon; I approached a charming vale, amidst sublimely high forests, awful shades! Darkness gathers around, far distant thunder rolls over the trembling hills; the black clouds with august majesty and power, moves slowly forwards, shading regions of towering hills, and threatening all the destructions of a thunderstorm; all around is now still as death, not a whisper is heard, but a total inactivity and silence seems to pervade
8740-492: Was the beginning of a gradual shift of tourism elsewhere. The city lost trade, shipping and transportation preeminence to Jacksonville , on the coast. But with its downtown rebuilt in brick to be fireproof, Palatka emerged a finer place. In 1893, A. E. and H. S. Wilson of Saginaw, Michigan bought the Noah J. Tilghman & Son sawmill, which processed cypress lumber. Renamed the Wilson Cypress Company, it expanded operations and became
8835-407: Was the guest of Lachlan McIntosh . In Travels , Bartram related an incident at this point that most probably took place in 1776. As he traveled through the sparsely populated country of South Georgia, he encountered an "intrepid Siminole" who had resolved upon killing the next white man he met but was disarmed by Bartram's unexpected friendliness. During his trip along the coast, Bartram revisited
8930-622: Was to take place in Augusta, Georgia in June and was invited by Superintendent of Indian affairs, John Stuart , to join the party that would survey a new land cession. After attending to some business Bartram traveled on to Savannah , arriving in that city on either April 11 or 12. While he awaited the beginning of the Native American congress he traveled to the coast of Georgia . He first visited some rice plantations in Midway then traveled on to Darien where he
9025-421: Was witness to a territorial battle between two of the monsters. He wrote: Behold him rushing forth from the flags and reeds. His enormous body swells. His plaited tail brandished high floats upon the lake. The waters like a cataract descend from his opening jaws. Clouds of smoke issue from his dilated nostrils. The earth trembles with his thunder. When immediately from the opposite coast of the lagoon, emerges from
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