New Smyrna Beach holds the distinction of being the second oldest city in
North America, though some historians believe it to be older than St. Augustine.
As early as 2,000 B.C., Timucuan Native Americans inhabited the area of
New Smyrna Beach. Their civilization thrived on the East Coast of Florida
until being destroyed by war and disease brought by European settlers.The
Timucuan population almost vanished by the time Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish
physician and entrepreneur, settled New Smyrna in 1767, naming the area
in honor of his wife, whose birthplace was Smyrna, Asia Minor (what is now
Izmir, Turkey).
New Smyrna, the largest British colonization attempt in the New World, was
nearly three times larger than the first settlement at Jamestown in 1607.
Dr. Turnbull obtained a land grant from the British Crown, brought with
him 1,500 European immigrants and declared New Smyrna as Britain's 14th
Crown Colony.
New Smyrna Beach offers visitors many historical legends and artifacts as
witness to its rich history. In fact, more than 30 historical sites continue
to intrigue visitors. Among the remaining sites: Sugar Mill ruins, found
in both New Smyrna Beach and nearby Port Orange, The Old Fort and surrounding
Old Fort Park, and the Eldora House in The Canaveral National Seashore.
Visitors can learn more by visiting the city's Historical Museum and
the Black Heritage Museum.
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