Flagler County, Florida

Introduction

This page is intended to provide historical context and references that may assist Flagler County researchers with their genealogy and family history endeavors.

History/Timeline

Flagler County, located on Florida's northeastern coast, has a rich history that spans centuries. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes before European explorers arrived. In the late 19th century, the establishment of railroads, led by Henry Flagler and his Florida East Coast Railway, played a crucial role in the county's development.

Flagler County was officially established in 1917, named in honor of the railroad magnate. Over time, the county experienced growth, diversification of industries, and the emergence of Flagler Beach as a popular coastal destination. Today, Flagler County balances progress and preservation, with a thriving community and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty and historical heritage.

For a more detailed exploration of Flagler County's history, we recommend consulting local historical societies, libraries, and online resources dedicated to the area's heritage. These sources can provide you with specific information, photographs, and accounts of the region's past.

Geography

Flagler County is situated on the northeastern coast of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the larger region known as the Florida First Coast. Flagler County is located between St. Augustine to the north and Daytona Beach to the south. Its convenient location provides residents and visitors with access to a range of cultural attractions, recreational amenities, and urban centers.

Flagler County in 1926

Description

Coastal Location: Flagler County boasts approximately 19 miles of picturesque coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Its beaches are known for their white sand, rolling dunes, and scenic beauty.

Barrier Island: A significant portion of the county's eastern border consists of a barrier island known as the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. This natural barrier helps protect the mainland from oceanic influences and provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Inland Areas: Moving away from the coastline, the geography of Flagler County transitions into a mix of marshlands, wetlands, and forests. The landscape features a combination of flat and gently rolling terrain, with several lakes, ponds, and waterways scattered throughout the region.

Waterways:

• The Intracoastal Waterway (Matanzas River) runs along the western edge of Flagler County, separating it from the mainland. It provides a navigable route for boaters and is home to various marine life.
• St. Johns River: The western boundary of Flagler County is defined by the majestic St. Johns River, which is one of the few rivers in the United States that flows northward. The river serves as an important waterway for transportation, recreation, and wildlife habitat.

Parks and Preserves: Flagler County is home to several natural parks and preserves that showcase the area's biodiversity and offer opportunities for outdoor activities. This includes Bulow Creek State Park, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and the Graham Swamp Conservation Area.

Adjacent Counties

Northwest Putnam County		North St. John's County	Northeast Atlantic Ocean
West Putnam County		Flagler, Florida		East Atlantic Ocean
Southwest Volusia County		South Volusia County	Southeast Atlantic Ocean

Government Offices

The county seat has always been Bunnell. The town was chosen as the county seat of Flagler County when it was established in 1917.

Bunnell was founded in 1911 as a planned community by the Bunnell Development Company. The town was named after its founder,Alvah Alonzo Bunnell (1854-1944), a prominent citizen and businessman in the area.

The town was a natural choice for the seat of government because it was centrally located within the county and had a well-developed infrastructure. The first courthouse was built in Bunnell in 1917 and was replaced by a new courthouse in 1924.

Communities

These are the cities, towns, and hamlets that comprise Flagler County.

Andalusia, Florida Beverly Beach, Florida Bunnell, Florida (County Seat)	Dupont, Florida Espanola, Florida Flagler Beach, Florida	Marineland, Florida Palm Coast, Florida