Allenhurst, Florida facts for kids

Allenhurst was a small community located in Brevard County, Florida. It was one of several towns that had to be moved or completely demolished to make way for the important Kennedy Space Center. This happened when the United States needed a large area to launch rockets and explore space.

What Was Allenhurst?

Allenhurst was a quiet community in Florida, much like many other small towns across the state. It was a place where people lived, worked, and built their lives. However, its location became very important for a big national project.

Why Did Allenhurst Disappear?

Allenhurst, along with 12 other communities, was located in an area chosen for the construction of the Kennedy Space Center. This center was built by the United States government to be a primary site for space launches, including the famous Apollo program that sent astronauts to the Moon.

To build such a large and important facility, a lot of land was needed. The government had to acquire land from many private owners and communities. This process, where the government takes private land for public use, is called eminent domain. It means residents were asked to move, and their homes and towns were taken down.

The Impact on Residents

For the people living in Allenhurst and the other affected communities, moving was a big change. They had to leave their homes, schools, and local businesses. While they were compensated for their property, it was still a difficult experience to leave a place they knew and loved. This event shows how big national projects can sometimes change the lives of many people.

The Kennedy Space Center's Beginning

The decision to build the Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County was made in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The area was chosen because it was close to the ocean, which is safer for rocket launches. It also had a lot of undeveloped land. The space race with the Soviet Union made it urgent for the U.S. to have a top-notch space launch facility.

A New Era for Space Exploration

The construction of the Kennedy Space Center led to a new era of space exploration. From this site, many historic missions have been launched, including all the crewed Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program. Today, it continues to be a vital part of America's space efforts, launching rockets for different purposes, including sending astronauts to the International Space Station.

Ghost Towns of Brevard County

Allenhurst is sometimes called a "ghost town" because it no longer exists as a populated place. It's a reminder of the changes that happened in Brevard County to support the nation's space program. While the towns are gone, their history is part of the larger story of the Kennedy Space Center.