Welaka, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Welaka, Florida
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| Town of Welaka | |
Brick building along commercial strip, November 1946
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| Motto(s):
"Bass Capital of the World"
"River of Lakes" |
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Location in Putnam County and the state of Florida
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Putnam |
| Settled | 1852 |
| Incorporated | April 23, 1887 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.51 sq mi (3.91 km2) |
| • Land | 1.47 sq mi (3.82 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2) |
| Elevation | 26 ft (8 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 714 |
| • Density | 484.40/sq mi (187.03/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
32193
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| Area code(s) | 386 |
| FIPS code | 12-75750 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0306568 |
Welaka is a small town in Florida, United States. It is located on the St. Johns River in Putnam County. In 2020, about 714 people lived there. Welaka is known for its beautiful river and natural areas.
Contents
History of Welaka
It is not clear exactly when people first settled in the Welaka area. However, a place nearby called Mount Royal has old remains from a Timucua tribal village. This village might have existed between 1250 and 1500 CE. It could also be linked to an important village of the Utina tribe called Enacape.
The town of Welaka started in 1852. James William Bryant bought a large piece of land, about 500 acres. This area was first known as Mt. Tucker. Before the Civil War, there were many orange groves and cotton farms here. In 1860, over 100 people lived in Welaka. After the Civil War, fewer than 20 people remained.
The community grew again over time. Welaka officially became a town on April 23, 1887. The name "Welaka" is believed to come from a word that Native Americans used for the St. Johns River. By the 1880s, Welaka became a popular place for tourists. People came hoping that the local mineral water springs would help them feel better. A company called Welaka Mineral Water Company was even started in 1907.
Where is Welaka?
Welaka is about 90 miles south of Jacksonville. You can reach it by road or by boat using the St. Johns River, which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. The town's exact location is 29°28′54″N 81°40′18″W / 29.48167°N 81.67167°W.
The United States Census Bureau says that Welaka covers about 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, and a small part, about 0.04 square miles (0.10 square kilometers), is water.
Welaka's Weather
Welaka has a type of weather called a humid subtropical climate. This means that the summers are hot and humid. The winters are usually mild, meaning they are not too cold.
People of Welaka
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 215 | — | |
| 1910 | 294 | 36.7% | |
| 1920 | 350 | 19.0% | |
| 1930 | 409 | 16.9% | |
| 1940 | 457 | 11.7% | |
| 1950 | 459 | 0.4% | |
| 1960 | 526 | 14.6% | |
| 1970 | 496 | −5.7% | |
| 1980 | 492 | −0.8% | |
| 1990 | 533 | 8.3% | |
| 2000 | 586 | 9.9% | |
| 2010 | 701 | 19.6% | |
| 2020 | 714 | 1.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, the census counted 714 people living in Welaka. There were 501 households and 160 families.
Fun Places to Visit
- Welaka National Fish Hatchery: This is a place where fish are raised.
- Mount Royal: An interesting historical site.
- Welaka State Forest: A large forest area for nature lovers.
See also
In Spanish: Welaka para niños
