The present-day Sanford, Florida, area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca and Joroco tribes by the time Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and disease by 1760 and was replaced by the Seminole tribe.

In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront.
]]> The Seminole Herald, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald]]> The Seminole Herald, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 126.]]> The Seminole Herald and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront.
]]> North From Verandah." Reference Collection, shelf number 15174, call number RC07050, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Reference Collection, shelf number 15174, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront. ]]> RICHES of Central Florida]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida]]>
The present-day Sanford, Florida, area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca and Joroco tribes by the time Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and disease by 1760 and was replaced by the Seminole tribe.

In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront. ]]> Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida.]]> Orange County Regional History Center and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront. ]]> The Seminole Herald]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 24.]]> The Seminole Herald.]]> The Seminole Herald and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront.
]]> The Seminole Herald]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002., page 126.]]> The Seminole Herald and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The City of Sanford steamboat near Sanford, Florida. The steamboat was constructed by the Thompson & Clyde Shipyard in Jacksonville. On November 24, 1880, The City of Sanford was launched. The steamboat travedl between Sanford and Jacksonville 137 times and was able to carry 145 tons of goods. On April 24, 1882, The City of Sanford burned at Point La Vista, near Downtown Jacksonville.

By the mid-1880s, Sanford had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade.

The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.]]> Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.]]> Museum of Seminole County History]]> De Berard, Ella Teague. Steamboats in the Hyacinths. Daytona Beach, Fla: College Pub. Co, 1956.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront. ]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 4.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Aside from his diplomatic career, Sanford was also a businessman and investor. He made several real estate investments in Florida in the late 1860s and early 1870s, the most notable being the purchase of the "Sanford Grant" in May 1870. The grant encompassed over 20 square miles and provided the basis for the town that eventually bore Sanford's name. Sanford was convinced that Florida would prove a profitable place to invest. Anticipating significant traffic and commerce by waterway, Sanford bought a land grant positioned on Lake Monroe along the St. Johns River. The city of Sanford thus became deemed the "Gate City of South Florida" - the southernmost stop along the river. During the 1870s, Sanford invested significant amounts of money to the development of his city - he built a wharf, several hotels, a general store, and a sawmill - all of which he hoped would spur investment and growth in the city. Sanford also developed several experimental citrus groves in his Florida city. The first was St. Gertrude's Grove. The second and more successful grove was Belair, developed in the early 1870s. Though Sanford never lived in Florida, he did visit occasionally from the late 1860s until his death in 1891. His diplomatic and business duties kept him preoccupied abroad, and most of his development in Florida was undertaken by representatives and confidants. Following the "Great Freeze" of 1888, Sanford's Belair grove was destroyed. Sanford was committed to rebuilding the grove and, in the late stages of his life, he committed his energies to his Florida investments. He died several years later though, and his wife Gertrude, in an effort to settle debts owed in Europe and elsewhere following his death, sold many of Sanford's properties in Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 58.]]> The Seminole Herald.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The Town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat for Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased over 12,000 acres of land west of Mellonville to form the community of Sanford. which he called "The Gateway City to South Florida." Sanford was incorporated in 1877 and absorbed Mellonville in 1883. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "The Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. In 2003, Sanford began the redevelopment of the waterfront with the RiverWalk Project to revitalize the city's riverfront. ]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 2.]]> The Seminole Herald.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The Seminole Herald, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald]]> The Seminole Herald, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Seminole Herald. Sanford: Our First 125 Years. [Sanford, FL]: The Herald, 2002, page 21.]]> The Seminole Herald.]]> The Seminole Herald and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
By the mid-1880s, Sanford, Florida had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.
]]> Depth: 6.6 ft.
Length: 160 ft.
Tonnage: 548 gross and 395 net.
Rig: sidewheel.
Official number: 126081.
Year built: 1882, Wilmington, Delaware.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/161135.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/34974.]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/34973.]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/34972.]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/33092.]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
By the mid-1880s, Sanford, Florida had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/30207]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/26193]]> Reference Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Floridafor educational purposes only.]]>
The Clyde Line was established by Thomas Clyde in 1844 and connected Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with other east coast ports. In 1872, the headquarters moved to New York and began connections with the Caribbean Islands. Charles W. Morse's Consolidated Steamship Lines purchased the company in 1907, only to collapse the following year. In 1911, the Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies Steamship Lines began operating Clyde Line, which continued to be used under that name until 1932 when the line was combined with the Mallory Line to form the Clyde-Mallory Line. The Clyde-Mallory Line operated until 1949 when it was sold to the Bull Line.

By the mid-1880s, Sanford, Florida had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/8223.]]> Print Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The present-day Sanford area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca/Joroco natives by the time Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and disease by 1760 and was replaced by the Seminole Indians. In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settled in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. In 1836, the United States Army built a road (present-day Mellonville Avenue) to a location called Camp Monroe during the Second Seminole War. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon. The town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat or Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869. In 1870, a lawyer from Connecticut by the name of Henry Sanford purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city, both railway and by water. Sitting on Lake Monroe, and the head of the St. Johns River, the city of Sanford earned the nickname of “The Gate City of South Florida.” Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leading citrus industry in Florida, and eventually globally. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development. ]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/8213.]]> Print Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/8211.]]> Print Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
U.S. Highway 17 begins in Punta Gorda, briefly runs east, and then goes north along Peace River through Arcadia, Zolfo Springs, and Wauchula. The road then joins U.S. Highway 98 at Fort Meade and continues northward until Bartow, when it separates to travel northeast. At Winter Haven, U.S. 17 becomes concurrent with U.S. Highway 92 through Kissimmee, where both highways join U.S. Highway 192. When all three roads meet U.S. Highway 441, U.S. 17/92 turns north into downtown Orlando and then splits from U.S. 441 at State Road 50/Colonial Drove and continues east until it turns north at State Road 15/Mills Avenue.

In Sanford, U.S. 17/92 crosses over the St. Johns River into Volusia County and then splits north of DeLand as U.S. 17 travels north toward Palatka, again crossing the St. Johns River. The highway then continues through Clay County, suburban Jacksonville, and Nassau County until it reaches the Florida border. The entire highway spans across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Lake Monroe is a lake that is part of the St. Johns River system in Florida and is also the eigth largest lake in the Orlando metropolitan area. Sanford is located on its northern shore and DeBary and Deltona are located along its northern shore. Two major roadways, State Road 415 and Interstate 4, run near the lake. Lake Monroe also formes the border of Seminole County and Volusia County.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/163495.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/163494.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/163493.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/162965.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/160932.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Clyde Line was established by Thomas Clyde in 1844 and connected Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with other east coast ports. In 1872, the headquarters moved to New York and began connections with the Caribbean Islands. Charles W. Morse's Consolidated Steamship Lines purchased the company in 1907, only to collapse the following year. In 1911, the Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies Steamship Lines began operating Clyde Line, which continued to be used under that name until 1932 when the line was combined with the Mallory Line to form the Clyde-Mallory Line. The Clyde-Mallory Line operated until 1949 when it was sold to the Bull Line.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/160931.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford, page 58.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/160839.]]> Postcard Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/165218.]]> General Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/153319.]]> General Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/131380.]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/131381.]]> Department of Commerce Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In Sanford, U.S. 17-92 crosses over the St. Johns River into Volusia County and then splits north of DeLand as U.S. 17 travels north toward Palatka, again crossing the St. Johns River. The highway then continues through Clay County, suburban Jacksonville, and Nassau County until it reaches the Florida border. The entire highway spans across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> http://floridamemory.com/items/show/75113.]]> Department of Commerce Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Florida Department of Commerce]]> Florida Department of Commerce, 1949: Department of Commerce Collection, call number C012100, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida]]> Florida Department of Commerce on Florida Memory Project: Department of Commerce Collection, call number C012100, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida. http://floridamemory.com/items/show/69371.]]> Florida Department of Commerce, 1949.]]> Department of Commerce Collection, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.]]> Sanford Riverfront Collection, Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Florida Department of Commerce.]]> State Library and Archives of Florida, and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>