Fernandina Beach Historic District facts for kids
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Fernandina Beach Historic District
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fernandina Beach, Florida |
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| Area | 1,500 acres (610 ha) |
| Architectural style | Victorian and Frame Vernacular (predominant styles) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000593 (original) 87000195 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 20, 1973 |
| Boundary increase | April 20, 1987 |
The Fernandina Beach Historic District is a special area in Fernandina Beach, Florida. It's found on Amelia Island. This district is like a living museum. It has many old buildings that tell the story of the town.
This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 20, 1973. This means it's recognized as an important place in American history. It covers about 1,500 acres and includes around 300 historic buildings. In 1987, the district was made even larger.
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A Look Back in Time
Fernandina Beach grew into an important town because of a railroad and its busy port. David Levy Yulee was one of Florida's first senators. He helped build the very first railroad across Florida. This railroad connected Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key. It opened on March 1, 1861.
When the railroad was built, Yulee planned a "new" Fernandina. This moved the town to where it is today. Before this, Fernandina was located further north. That old area is now called Old Town. It is also a historic site. The railroad and the busy port on the Amelia River made "new" Fernandina grow quickly. The buildings in the Historic District show how the town developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Important Buildings to See
The Historic District has many interesting buildings. These include the Nassau County Courthouse and the Post Office. You can also see the old Train Depot and Public School No. 1. There are also several churches like St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the First Presbyterian Church. St. Michael's Catholic Church and Academy are also here.
Many homes in the district are built in a style called "frame vernacular." This means they use local building methods. Often, they have touches of the Queen Anne style. Famous architect Robert Schuyler designed St. Peter's Church and Public School No. 1. The Post Office was designed by James Knox Taylor. He was a top architect for the U.S. government.
Some well-known historic homes include the Fairbanks House and the Tabby House. The Bailey House is also a notable building.
Protecting History
The City of Fernandina Beach knows how important this Historic District is. It helps tell the story of the town's past. In 1975, the city passed a special law. This law helps protect the historic buildings. It set up rules for fixing up old buildings. It also created the City's Historic District Council. This group reviews plans for changes to historic buildings.
The city has surveyed the district many times. This helps them keep track of all the historic buildings. The rules are updated often. This makes sure they follow the best ways to protect history. Other important places are also part of the local historic district. These include the John Denham Palmer House and the Amelia Island Lighthouse. Peck High School is also included.
What to Do There
Today, the Historic District is a lively place. You can find many shops and restaurants there. There are also bed and breakfasts for visitors. Many people live in the historic homes. The Amelia Island Museum of History is right next to the district. Fort Clinch and the beach are also very close by.
Every May, a big event happens in the Historic District. It's called the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Thousands of people come to enjoy this festival.
Images for kids
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Hoyt House - May 2022
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Centre Street Businesses - May 2019
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Fairbanks House - May 2019
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Historic Nassau County Courthouse - May 2019
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Lesesne House - May 2019
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Merrick-Simmons House - May 2019
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St. Peter's Episcopal Church - May 2019
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Tabby House - May 2019
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Historic Fernandina Beach Train Depot
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Post Office - May 2019
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Bailey House - May 2019
