Volusia County
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Papers on past, present and future of New Smyrna furnished the principal topic at the meeting of the
Men's
Fellowship club held in the Baptist church last night, John Y. Detwiler being the speaker who
discussed the
past, present and future of this community.
There was not as large an attendance at the meeting as had been expected, owing to other attractions,
but it was an interested audience who listened to the papers read by Mr. Detwiler, who has made a
consistent study, of the history of New Smyrna, and is well qualified to handle this subject.
The speaker took up the recent request of the St. Augustine Chamber of Commerce for authority
for the statement that New Smyrna antedates St. Augustine, and quoted historical references to prove
that New Smyrna was settled several months before the present St. Augustine was founded.
Mr. Detwiler’s papers were, in full, as follows:
Mr. President, Ladies, and Fellow Citizens of New Smyrna, Fla.:
The occasion upon which we are assembled, is one of more than ordinary importance to the
citizens of New Smyrna, as well as those of the state of Florida; in fact to every American, who, in
the search for historical truths, leaves no legitimate effort pass, whereby, in his own locality as
well as in the surrounding country, authentic records of its past history may be obtained. Nowhere,
in any of our sister states, are there more interesting archaeological, or those of prehistoric
animal remains, than our beloved state of Florida. Pages could be written upon these two subjects,
but the early history of the location of what is now known as New Smyrna, its earliest settlement,
by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, under the name of St. Augustine, the erection of the prehistoric fort
and the Old Spanish Mission, heretofore unrecorded in the annals of history.
To me, unexpectedly, has been assigned a privilege to contribute of my meagre knowledge,
relative to the antiquities that we find in our immediate neighborhood. Antiquities that even
tradition furnishes no record of, and, under these circumstances, is it to be wondered at that a
feeling of incapacity asserts itself, fearing my inability to do the subject justice in the face of
world-wide criticism?
New Smyrna, and its past history, was the subject assigned me, but owing to the inability of the
gentlemen to whom the subjects of New Smyrna, its present, also the future of New Smyrna and two
additional papers, to respond, the three topics were included in the one paper, to which I
respectfully call your attention, hoping in the time consumed to furnish both entertainment and
instruction.
It will be remembered that the first newspaper published in New Smyrna, Volusia county, Florida,
was the New Smyrna Breeze, the date of the first issue was May 5, 1887. The leading topic was New
Smyrna, its past, present and future, by the editor who now furnishes this article.
In archaeological researches which became necessary to intelligently describe an almost hitherto
unknown locality, abundant evidences of prehistoric occupation was found, as well as more modern
ruins, evidently of both English and Spanish occupation. The enthusiasm once acquired has never
abated.
Conditions permitting a visit to Havana, Cuba, also to the Spanish Missions in California, of
which Florida anticipated that of Arizona and New Mexico eight years, opportunity was afforded to
meet the highest American authorities — both Catholic and Protestant — also access to the celebrated
Pancroft library, a reference to books relating to the subject and a casual inspection thereof; a
meeting with individuals, who now are engaged in Seville, Spain, translating records who are now
personal correspondents, all afforded opportunity which finally resulted in the culmination of the
desire of years past, which I now submit to you for your investigation and criticism, which I hope
will result in some action of this or some other society whereby this good work may continue
indefinitely, and New Smyrna and the county of Volusia which is so abundantly replete with objects
and locations of historical nature, besides the evidences of early Spanish occupation that it will
not be necessary for us to become subsidiary to any other historical society whatever, but will
stand out singly and alone as being it, as we possess all the evidence to prove the position taken.
Among the authorities cited relative to the subject upon which I am dwelling are William
Bartrams travels through east and west Florida in 1777, during the English occupation, a copy of
which I am indebted to Dr. E. H. Sellards for, state geologist of Florida.
Fairbanks History, from 1512, to the close of the Florida war in 1842.
“France and England in North America,” by Francis Parkman.
History of the Catholic Missions among the Indian tribes of the United States, 1529-1854, by
John Gilmary Shea.
Also two volumes entitled “The Spanish Settlements in the United States,” 1513-1561, and
Florida, 1562-1574.
The three latter volumes have been furnished me to continue my researches, by Rt. Rev. M. J.
Curley, bishop of the diocese of St. Augustine, who also provided the necessary credentials upon my
late visit to the Catholic Missions in California.
Passing that part of early Spanish history previous to March 20, 1565, on which date the
authority was given to Pedro Menendez de Aviles to undertake the conquest of Florida, he was
directed to equip six sloops of fifty tons each, and four smaller vessels, taking with him the San
Pelayo, a large ship of 600 tons, on which to transport the colonists across the ocean. The
colonists were to number 500, 100 should be soldiers, 100 sailors, and the balance officials and
artisans, such as stone cutters, carpenters, locksmiths, sawyers, smiths and barbers, all fully
armed. Two hundred of the settlers were to be married and at least 100 were to be laborers and
farmers. The company was to include four members of the Society of Jesus, with ten or twelve monks
of any order he saw fit, and he was granted the privilege of transporting to Florida 500 negro
slaves taken from Spain, Portugal, the Cape Verde Islands or Guinea, of whom one-third were to be
women, to assist in the construction of the towns, the cultivation of the land, the planting of
sugar cane and the manufacturing of sugar.
He was especially enjoined to see that none of his colonists were contaminated by heresy, and
that there were no Jews, Moors or Marranos (Christianized Jews) among them.
He was ordered to take with him 100 horses and mares, 200 sheep, 400 swine, 400 lambs and some
goats, with what other stock he saw fit.
He was ordered to reconnoitre the Gulf coast of the peninsula, and from the Florida Keys as far
north as New Foundland, and to make a full report upon the ports, currents, rocks, shoals and bays
of the same, and finally came the main purpose of the assiento, the expulsion of the French.
Spain being at peace with France, Frenchmen could not openly be named as having invaded Spanish
territory which might be construed as a formal threat against the French government in the face of
its solemn protestations that it harbored no designs upon Florida. It was necessary, therefore, to
disguise the instructions under a comprehensive term which should include the case of the French
colonists without attributing their irregular action to the connivance of the French crown, and
Aviles was directed .to ascertain “if in the said coast or land there were settlers or corsairs or
other nations whatsoever not subject to us,” and to “seek to drive them out by what means you see
fit.”
Here follows conditions under which Aviles obligated himself, and the emoluments and
opportunities in trade that were offered:
A foot note under pages 143-144, chapter VIII, volume 2, “Lowrie for Florida,” in the Spanish
language, furnishes citations from records in Madrid, Spain, of the foregoing extracts. As it is not
possible in the brief space of time allotted to cover the subjects which are of the most vital
importance to the matter of establishing the fact that New Smyrna was the location of the first
settlement of Europeans in America, brief extracts from the volumes previously mentioned will be
made with such comments as may be found necessary to accomplish the end in view.
Aviles set sail from Cadiz on the 28th day of July, 1565, reaching the Canaries the 5th of the
ensuing month and after some delay he arrived at Porto Rico on the 8th of August.
His fleet becoming separated, he sailed from Porto Rico with only five vessels on the 15th of
August with 800 souls of which 500 were soldiers, 200 mariners, “the other hundred being of useless
people,” as he called them, “married men, women, children and officials.” He arrived at Santo
Domingo Aug. 17, 1565.
Sunday, Aug 25th, the peninsula was made off Canaveral and four days were spent sailing along
the coast in search of the French port. Failing to discover it, Menendez at last sent ashore to
learn of the Indians where it lay and was informed by signs that it was 20 leagues to the north.
Coasting along eight leagues farther, Menendez came upon the harbor of the river of Dolphins,
previously visited by Laudonniere, into which he entered and gave it the name of St. Augustine,
having discovered it on the festival of that saint, the 28th of August.
At what point on the coast was Menendez when he inquired of the Indians? Fort Caroline,
afterwards San Mateo, now St. Augustine, is distant from New Smyrna inlet by latitude 49 miles. From
Fort Caroline south 20 leagues would bring the Indian village at Eldora, or Turtle Mound — the
greatest land mark south of Amelia Island. This point is evidently where he made his inquiry.
Appendix B, page 389, Lowrie, discusses the probable location of the “Rievere de Mai,” Ribault
places in latitude 30 degrees, referred to.by Chantone as Ribera de las Conentes in letter to
Phillip II, January 24, 1563.
Hawkins, visiting Laudonniere’s settlement in 1564, found the river "standing in 30 degrees and
better.” Let us then compare the locations as given by later voyagers, as the latitudes of the
several places under discussion. Joan de Herriera, 1576. See appendix U, page 439, Lowrie Florida.
Reference, Biblioteca Naceonal Madrid MSS 4541, fol. 87, giving the latitudes of St. Augustine in 29
degrees, of San Mateo in 30 degrees of San Elena in 32 degrees and of Guale, “which is between San
Mateo and Santa Elena,” in 32 degrees, 20 minutes.
The location of the several light houses, according to the U. S. coast survey, are as follows:
Canaveral: 28 deg., 27 min., 37 sec.
St. Augustine: 29 deg., 53 min., 07 sec. San Mateo: 30 deg.
Mosquito Inlet: 29 deg., 04 min., 49 sec. St. Augustine: 29 deg.
St. Johns River: 30 deg., 23 min., 27 sec.
Amelia Island: 30 deg., 40 min., 23 sec.
Appendix B, page 393, Lowrie, Florida, states:
“Laudonniere, in 1564, on the second French expedition, established Fort Caroline on the Riviere
de Mai (see page 57 in this volume).
“From this he was driven out by Menendez Aviles, who changed the name of the fort to that of San
Mateo, which name was in consequence given to the river and the Spanish settlement of San Mateo,
which grew up on the right bank of the river, near its mouth, has retained its name down through the
first quarter of the. 19th century.”
In chapter IX, relating to the capture of Fort Caroline, pp. 158-159, the following citations
are made:
“The three Spanish vessels which took the southerly course in pursuit of the remaining French
ship, continued all night. Menendez had ordered them to rejoin him at the mouth of the St. Johns in
the morning, and if unable to do so to return to St. Augustine. But a storm arose and they were
obliged to cast anchor off the coast, the vessels being so small they did not dare to take to sea.
“One of the three broke away, and while in this peril a French ship was sighted and they were in
terror of being boarded, but she did not attack them, although she hove to within a league.
“The following day, September 6, after sighting a second French vessel, they made for a harbor
near at hand, which proved to be that of St. Augustine, and on landing found that the other two
vessels had preceded them, having also arrived the same day (Sept. 6).
“The harbor was near the village of an Indian chief named Seloy, who received them with much
kindness. The Spaniards at once went to work to fortify a large Indian dwelling, probably a communal
house of the natives, which lay near the water’s edge. They dug a ditch around it and threw up a
breastwork of earth and faggots, ‘these two good captains of ours,’ Patino and San Vincente,
‘working with such industry, that with only the nails of their soldiers, and without other tools,
they made a fort for their defense. Says Mendoza: “And this was the birth of St. Augustine, the
oldest city in the United States.
“Its ancient site can no longer be determined, but it is known to have been such that it did not
command the entrance to the harbor, could not be discovered from the sea, and was much exposed to
the attacks of the Indians. When m Mav the following year, the settlement was moved to a more
advantageous position, the first location received its name of Old St. Augustine from the
Spaniards.” Aviles at once began disembarking his troops landing 200 of them. On Friday the 7th he
sent his three smaller ships into the harbor and 300 more colonists were landed, along with the
married men, their wives and children, and most of the artillery and ammunition. On Saturday,
Ladies' Day, September 8th, the balance of the colonists, 100 in number, and supplies, were put
ashore. Then the general himself landed amidst the waving of flags, the sounding of trumpets and
other instruments of war and the salutes of the artillery. The chaplain, Mendoza, who had gone
ashore the previous day, advanced to meet him chanting the Te deum Laudamus and carrying a cross,
which Aviles and those with him reverently kissed, falling upon their knees. Then Menendez took
possession in the king’s name. The mass of Our Lady was solemnly chanted and the oath was
administered to the various officials in the presence of a large concourse of friendly Indians who
imitated all the postures of the Spaniards. The ceremony was concluded by the serving out of food to
colonist and Indian alike. The negro slaves were quartered in the huts of the Indian village and the
work on the defenses was proceeded with.”
“While this was in progress, two of Ribaut’s ships, which the Spaniards had chased on the night
of September 4th, made a demonstration at the mouth of the harbor offering combat to the San Pelayo,
and the San Salvador, which were unable to cross the bar on account of their size and lay outside in
a very exposed situation. But the challenge was not accepted and after watching from a distance the
landing of the troops, the Frenchmen sailed away the same afternoon and returned to the mouth of the
St. Johns.
“Menendez was in fear lest Ribaut should return and attack his fleet while he was unloading, and
perhaps capture the San Pelayo, which carried the major part of his supplies and ammunition, and he
also was most anxious to send two of his sloops back to Havana for reinforcements. For this reason
the unloading was pushed rapidly forward.
“In the meantime he strengthened his position and sought what information he could obtain of the
situation of the French fort from the Indians. They told him that it could be reached from the head
of the harbor of St. Augustine without going by sea, indicating probably, a way by North river and
Pablo creek.”
This conjecture as to reaching Fort Caroline (later San Mateo), at that time occupied by
Laudonniere, from the original St. Augustine, in latitude 29 degrees, now New Smyrna, is apparently
wrong, as in 1739 war was declared by Great Britain against Spain. Oglethorpe commanded an
expedition against New St. Augustine, and on the 19th day of June summoned the Spanish garrison to
surrender, and up to the 6h of July the garrison and people had received no injury, though greatly
pressed for provisions. The inlet at Mosquito, latitude 29, had not been blockaded by Oglethorpe.
Supplies were obtained from Cuba, the fort reinforced by the inland water way as stated to Menendez
by the Indians 174 years previously, apparently refutes the practicability of the route via North
river and Pablo creek, which would be north of the present site of St. Augustine.
The river of Dolphins is generally supposed to be the confluence of the North and Mantanzas
rivers. Chapter IX, “The Capture of Fort Caroline," page 164, I cite as follows:
Meanwhile the French at Fort Caroline had remained without news of the outcome of the attack.
But on the appearance of two of his vessels at the mouth of the St. Johns, Ribaut went down the
river to learn what had happened. He met on his way a boatload of men returning from one of the
ships, who told him of their encounter with the Spaniards and informed him that they had seen three
of the enemy’s ships in the river of Dolphins and two more in the roads, where the Spaniards had
disembarked and where they were fortifying their position. * * * The river evidently was the
Matanzas, then called the St. John. The river of Dolphins, from the above citation, was the Halifax
and North Indian rivers. Three ships were inside the harbor. The San Pelayo and San Salvador being
the vessels outside in the roadway, they being unable to cross the bar. Cross narratives sometimes
establish facts.
The voyage of Don Hernando De Manrique de Rojas in the latter half of May, 1564, sent in search
of the columns erected by Ribaut with 25 men, he struck the Florida coast below Cape Canaverel in
latitude 27 deg., 30 min. Sailing by day and as near as possible to the shore he reached the Rio de
la Cruz in 29 deg., probably Mosquito river. He struck Matanzas inlet in 29 deg., 30 min., where he
arrived the 25th. He was in the Rio de las Corrientes, probably the mouth of the St. Johns river,
the 26th. May 29 he arrived at St. Helena, latitude 32, but he searched in vain for the fort of the
French settlers.
Let us return to the expedition of Laudonniere, who succeeded Ribaut in the colonization of
Florida, which set sail April 22, 1564, struck the low-lying coast of Florida on Thursday, June 22,
in the neighborhood of St. Augustine (lat. 29). Laudonniere reconnoitred the entrance to the harbor
sailed Seloy by the natives, and named by him the river of Dolphins, but finding it unsuited to his
purpose, set sail on the following day and two days later reached the river of May, the St. Johns.
Here he went ashore and met Saturibu, an Indian chief whom he had met there on .the occasion of
Ribaut’s first visit. After several days exploration, with general consent the expedition returned
to the river of May. A spot was selected for the erection of a fort. * * * It was named Fort
Caroline in honor of Charles IX. See pp. 54-57, Lowrie, Florida.
September 8th, Ribaut embarked and on the 10th sailed away to attack St. Augustine with his 200
sailors and 400 soldiers, which included the flower of the soldiers at Fort Caroline. Two days later
a storm arose so violent that the Indians themselves declared it to be the worst they had ever seen
on the coast. Menendez at once realized that the proper time had presented itself for an attack upon
the fort. He recounted the advantages which the moment presented for an attack upon Fort Caroline
with its defenses weakened by the absence of Ribaut and his inability to return against the contrary
wind, which in his judgment would continue several days. His plan was to reach the fort through the
forest and to attack it. The remaining part of the narrative is history, and the foregoing
citations, perhaps somewhat disconnected, will serve to locate the original site of the St.
Augustine of Menendez, as well as the River of May, of Ribaut and Laudonniere to New Smyrna, the
location of the original fort erected by Menendez de Aviles in September 1565 and removed to San
Mateo in latitude 29 deg., 53 min, nine months later. The Spanish Mission, though somewhat the worse
for the centuries' that have elapsed, up to the present time is still in better condition than the
remains of many of the Spanish Missions of California, Arizona and New Mexico, all of which have
been erected by authority eight years subsequent to the Mission at the original St. Augustine, now
known as New Smyrna.
References and citations as to dates of the several expeditions subsequent to the discovery of
Florida by Ponce De Leon in 1512:
Ribaut, commanding the first French expedition, set out February 16, 1562. He struck the eastern
shore of Florida in latitude 29 deg., 30 min. north, off a headland called French Cape, about the
vicinity of Mound Grove, Volusia county, Florida (a large Indian village).
Rene de Laudonniere was selected for the commander of the new venture. He was one of Ribaut’s
companions in the first attempt. The colonists set sail April 22, 1564. He struck the Florida coast
June 22, 1564, in the neighborhood of St. Augustine, entered the harbor, named it the river of
Dolphins. Finding it unsuitable for his purposes, set sail the following day and two days later
reached the river of May, the St. John. See page 54, Lowrie, Florida.
In May, 1564, Don Hernando de Manrique de Rojas, set sail with a company of 25 men to destroy
the columns erected by Ribaut, expel the settlers and destroy the fort. He struck the coast near
Canaveral in latitude 27 deg., 30 min. Sailing he reached the Rio de la Cruz in latitude 29 deg.,
probably Mosquito river. See pp. 45-46, Lowrie.
May 10, 1565, Jean Ribaut, in command of five vessels, with authority to supercede Laudonniere
in charge of Fort Caroline, arriving about August 28, 1565. Tuesday September 4, on the arrival of
the Spanish fleet, the French vessels cut their cables and sailed away. See page 100, Lowrie,
Florida.
July 28, 1565, Menendez set sail from Cadiz, struck Florida coast off Cape Canaveral Aug. 25,
1565, and entered Harbor St. Augustine, latitude 29 deg. September 6, and erected defenses.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1st. The present existence of the old fort and Spanish Mission at New Smyrna, which cannot be
denied.
2nd. The narrative of William Bartram giving the location of the shell mound at New Smyrna in
1765, with no habitation or cleared field except a wide avenue extending to the savanna. This was
evidently the parade ground and gave communication to the Mission edifice, which fronts to the west
apparently then on the banks of an open lagoon, extending from Spruce creek to Indian river.
3rd. The location of the rock house, commanding the inlet, which the fort did not — also the
similarity of the name to “Sorrochos” and F. Sorrochos river and town as shown on the map published
by De Bry in 1591. See chapter II, page 28, Lowrie, Florida.
4th. The latitude of St. Augustine, given as 29 deg. by Herriera, of San Mateo as 30 deg. in
1576, compared. See appendix “U,” page 439, Lowrie. Note latitudes of same locations by U. S. coast
survey.
5th. Laudonniere reconnoitre of Thursday, June 22, 1564. Harbor called “Seloy,” named it River
of Dolphins. Two days’ sail, reached River of May. Erected a fort called Caroline (see page 58
Lowrie). Was driven out by Menendez, who changed the name of the fort to San Mateo. (Latitude 30
deg., appendix “C” page 393.)
6th. Ribaut, who commanded at Fort Caroline, was informed by returning men from one of the ships
of the encounters with the Spaniards. They had seen three of the enemy’s ship at the river of
Dolphins and two more in the roads where the Spaniards had disembarked and were fortifying their
position. See pp. 164-5, Lowrie, Florida.
7th. September 8, 1565, Ribaut embarked. On the 10th he sailed from Fort Caroline to attack St.
Augustine. A counter attack by land captured Fort Caroline during the existing storm, to the
destruction of the French.
In recapitulation of the several expeditions to Florida, both Spanish and French, the date of
their sailing, their arrival to the designated destinations, which appear to be specifically stated
as to latitude. The naming of the several rivers, which are given as the River of Dolphins and the
River of May, the former being named by Laudonniere, on latitude 29 deg., the latter as the location
of Fort Caroline, which now would be the Matanzas, the St. Johns, the North river, which might then
be open by way of Pablo creek, and the present St. Johns was at that time known as the Rio de La
Corrientes. We, the residents of New Smyrna should display enough interest to secure legislative and
congressional assistance, if possible, by appropriation, or otherwise, to purchase these most
important Spanish antiquities. Also to procure translations of the Spanish records at both Madrid
and Seville, Spain. The first effort necessary to the end is the formation of an historical society,
stating its objects, based upon the facts, which are herewith presented.
With apologies for the time taken to satisfactorily demonstrate from reliable authorities our
claim that New Smyrna, under its original name of St. Augustine, is the oldest settlement in
America. I submit the statement for your intelligent consideration.
John Y. Detwiler.
Honorary Member, Florida Historical Society.
A partial history of the past of New Smyrna has been the subject of a paper, as well as that of New
Smyrna of the present, prepared for the edification and information of my fellow citizens at the
request of your honorable president and secretary, but as prophecy up to this late day has not been
one of my accomplishments, it would seem out of place to begin now.
It is said that “history repeats itself,” and also that what has been can be produced again
under like conditions and environments.
In the topographical conditions surrounding New Smyrna and its immediate vicinity there are
unbounded opportunities to progress, which are as easily recognized at the present time as was
possible a generation, or even a century, ago. Nature has accomplished much for the locality, which
was personally recognized by me many years ago.
The confluence of two navigable rivers invariably, in time, will insure the (Continued on Page
8.) location of a city of some commercial importance. In addition, there is an opening into the
Atlantic ocean, which eventually will attract the commerce of nations. This inlet has never been
closed within the memory of man and was instrumental in furnishing succor and relief to the Spanish
garrison during the war with England. During the Civil war it afforded opportunity to communicate
with the outside world, as well as during the Spanish-American war, when it was the subject of
federal solicitation, whereby the shipment of arms and ammunition to Cuba was concerned. The absence
of reefs and rocks is important, and the inner harbor, which has been occupied by vessels of light
draft for customs, which, if improved by federal appropriations, and the inlet jettied, will from
its location midway of the peninsula of Florida, prove of commercial value to the nation. The depth
of water on the bar has been variable, owing to the direction of the wind and strength of tides. A
depth of 24 feet has been known at times, although the average is about 10 feet.
Immediately opposite the inlet a vast salt marsh will permit dredging, which will afford
docking necessities. The prospective taking over of the Canal company’s holding by the federal
government in the construction of an inland waterway from Cape Cod to Key West, will add to the
advancement of the surrounding country as much as does the Dixie highway and other extended routes
of travel to the south. In the effort to protect its coast line the federal government will, in
time, see the necessity of the inland waterway for the transportation of supplies, torpedo boats,
submarines, etc. This, apparently is but a matter of time. Among the greatest necessities of New
Smyrna in the prospective future are dock facilities for commercial purposes. Even now the landing
place is utterly inadequate for public use.
The necessity of the means of communication to New Smyrna beach by another bridge is now
apparent, and a bridge at the foot of Lytle avenue, or some other thoroughfare, is one that will
soon command public attention. With the improvement of the inlet the public will perceive the
necessity of a public dock an acre, more or less, in extent, and the only practical location for the
same would be at the eastern terminal of the bridge, wherever it is decided upon; the natural beauty
of the west bank of the river would be destroyed should it be permitted on the west side.
New Smyrna is not'always to hold the position she now occupies. There are great prospects ahead
of her. It is evident in the near future the county will be divided and in acquiring parks and other
characteristics of a public nature, time should be taken by the forelock and every effort made to
increase the population and render the surroundings attractive, both in appearances and to the
prospective residents, by that subtle characteristic of the native people of the southland,
“southern hospitality,” which in many instances is unwittingly withheld.
The future of New Smyrna is greatly in the hands of the municipal of officers, who are virtually
the trustees of the citizens. So long as political or sectarian influences predominate the public
will suffer, and with it the municipality. When the inheritances of the citizens are bartered in the
shape of franchises to designing individuals for a mere pittance compared to the real value, without
recourse, or bonded indebtedness incurred to be liquidated at a more convenient season in the
future, which finally results in increased taxation for the property holders, the end of prosperity
is in sight and in proportion to the extent of such management will the prosperity of the city be
advanced or retarded.
A clean city government, divested of political influences, operated by those whose property
interests have not been conveyed to others, citizens whose moral worth and integrity are beyond
question, are those who should be selected to manage the affairs of the city of New Smyrna, and as
the country prospers, so will the city, and to the generation yet unborn will not be entailed an
indebtedness that by prudent measures could have been avoided.
The material to be wrought upon is constantly with us. An individual can truly say: “I was, I
am, I will be,” all depending upon the present. The future is what we, ourselves, make it. It is the
same with the municipality of New Smyrna, it all depends upon the powers that govern. “Seek ye this
day whom ye will serve, God (good) or mammon (selfishness).”
In conclusion, I predict prosperity; for New Smyrna.
Your 'fellow citizen,
JOHN Y. DETWILER.
Florida, since its discovery by Ponce de Leon, in 1512, possesses a history, the narration of which,
did we possess the translation of records now held in the archives of Spain, would be replete with
deeds of daring, of bloodshed and privation, the major part of which are familiar to us, a portion
of which is embodied in the previous paper.
It might be well to note a few of the events which have taken place during the English
occupation as included in the present New Smyrna, for are we not indebted to Dr. Andrew Turnbull for
the settlement next subsequent to that of Menendez 202 years previously? Also to Willian Bartram,
who published an account of his travels in the year 1791, which took place in 1777, and was entitled
“Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida,” during the period of
English occupation or before the Floridas were exchanged with Spain for the Bahamas. This transfer
was made necessary by the close proximity of the Floridas to the American colonies. Therefore, a
forced transfer was obligatory, and the speedy evacuation of the English colonists, and the
consequent abandonment of the plantations which soon reverted to ruins.
This was brought about by the exacting influences demanded by the crown of Spain. After the
evacuation by the British in 1784, the treaty provided that 18 months be allowed in which to dispose
of them properly and remove their effects. As a consequence the possessions of the English colonists
were virtually abandoned, which accounts for the great number of ruins observed in the vicinity of
New Smyrna. Many of these were still in evidence in 1887, and of which mention will be made and
referred to, the date of which settlement was 1767.
Mr. Bartram says of it: “New Smyrna, a pretty thriving town, is a colony of Greeks and
Minorques, established by Mr. Turnbull on the Mosquito river and very near to its mouth. It is about
30 miles overland. New Smyrna is built on a high, shelly bluff on the west bank of the south branch
of the Mosquito river, about ten miles above the capes of that river, which is about 30 miles north
of Cape Canaveral, latitude 28 degrees. I was here alone about ten years ago, when the surveyor run
the lines or precincts of the colony, where there was neither habitation nor cleared field. It was
then a famous orange grove, the upper or south promontory of a ridge nearly half a mile wide and
stretching north about 40 miles to the head of the north branch of the Mosquito river, to where the
Tomoka unites with it. Nearly parallel to the sea coast, and not above ten miles across to the sea
beach.
“All this ridge was then one entire orange grove, with live oaks, magnolias, palms, red bays and
other trees. I observed then, near where New Smyrna now stands,” a spacious Indian mound, and avenue
which stood near the banks of the river. The avenue ran on a straight line back through the groves
across the ridge, and terminated at the verge of natural savannas and ponds.”
The author was pursuing his botanical studies, investigating the country, traveling by canoe or
small sail boat, and procuring his supplys from the trading houses, along the St. Johns river, then
flourishing under the colonizing patronage of the British government.
One hundred and forty years have elapsed since William Bartram recorded the above narrative
while on his way to what is now known as “Beresford,” owned at present by the Starke estate, located
then, as now, on the St. Johns river, and is the farm mentioned in the foregoing citation. He also
mentions Blue Spring in Volusia county near De Land, in the following words:
“My friend rode with me about four miles distance from the house to show me a vast fountain of
warm, or rather hot, mineral water, which issued from a high ridge or bank on the river, in a great
core or bay, a few miles above the mouth of the creek which I ascended to the lake (Beresford). It
boils up with great force, forming immediately a vast circular basin, capacious enough for several
shallops to ride in and runs with rapidity into the river (St. Johns) 300 or 400 yards distant.”
The above mentioned lake is supposed to be Lake Beresford, and, as stated previously, is about
30 miles from New Smyrna.
It is presumed .that Bartram, on this trip, did not visit New Smyrna, having been there ten
years previously, in an unbroken hommock, did not discover the old Spanish mission, but recognized
the avenue that led to it, and the prehistoric fort, now the object of so much conjecture, was still
covered with shells. As he expressly states there was no habitation nor cleared fields. This at the
time the surveyors laid out the precincts for the future town of New Smyrna. Had he visited the town
under the occupation of Andrew Turnbull, with his colony of 1500 Greeks and Minorcans, he would
undoubtedly have referred to the surroundings more in detail.
These extracts from various books at my disposal, serve to connect events, if not in
succession, they locate periods in the history of New Smyrna and vicinity, and the investigator will
find much qf interest in perusing the volumes if accessible, referred to in the preceding paper as
authorities.
Thirty-four years’ continuous residence in New Smyrna, it being the home of my choice, its
natural, agricultural and topographical advantages asserting themselves from the beginning, has in
that time proven its desirability as the location for a home or source of investment by the rapid
strides made in its advance, which under less opposing conditions would have been much greater.
It is only within recent years that opportunity has been afforded, whereby the development of
the city and its environments have been possible. Under the new regime we possess public roads,
water, electric lights, sewers, in fact nearly all the advantages of a northern city.
Fossilized ideas of false economy are being relegated to the background and the selfish
disposition which predominated for so many years has given away to an enthusiastic spirit. Truly
democratic in its nature when the greatest good to the greatest number is of prime consideration,
which asserts itself in the acquisition of public schools, highways, hotels and other mediums of
attraction for the great influx of northern visitors, prospective home seekers and tourists, three
distinct classes, each possessing their value to the several communities and the state at large. New
Smyrna of the present is forging to the front. Whenever you perceive womanly influence asserting
itself, you will find progress, “For the hand that rocks the cradle of humanity also rules the
world.” Did the woman realize the powerful influence for good in both the home and the community in
which she resides, there would be great advancement in public life.
We have it exemplified to a certain extent in the cities of DeLand, Daytona and even in New
Smyrna, where by humble efforts great results are being obtained. The spirit of altruism, instead of
selfishness, should predominate, both in secular and sectarian efforts. In giving, the “Widow’s
Mite” is an example, in effort it is written: “She hath done what she could.” Womanly effort is
never without results, be they altrustic or selfish, humble or exalted. We have it exemplified in
the efforts of a woman’s club in New Smyrna to advance the interests of their home city by
publishing a circular illustrating the beauty advantages and objects of local interest in the
vicinity. Although humble in its pretentions, concise and truthful in its presentation, it has been
instrumental in calling the attention of the world at large, that New Smyrna within its environments
possesses architectural ruins antedating all others in America, which embrace the fort erected by
Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565-6, and also the old Spanish mission contemporaneous with the fort
and erected in commemoration of the Catholic religion and in memory of the sovereign king Ferdinand
and Queen Isabella.
Not only this, but there is in existence a restored altar candle stick found in the ruins of the
old Spanish mission by Capt. Mathews, an early pioneer of New Smyrna, which was inherited by Miss
Ida M. Lourcey, from her grandmother, “Granny Mathews,” as she was familiarly known.
These objects enumerated above, which the entire population of New Smyrna know exists, are valid
reasons why an historical society should be organized, embracing the cities of De Land, Daytona and
New Smyrna, including Volusia county, which should be worldwide in extent seeking the co-operation
of all Americans and foreign countries interested.
Organized upon the same basis or one similar to that upon which the Womans’ Mount Vernon
Washington Home association is based upon, boldly stating the conditions that exist and soliciting
state and government aid in the endeavors set forth. The results will eventually prove astonishing.
Advancing this suggestion to the women of Volusia county, and wishing them God speed and success
in their efforts, New Smyrna and the county at large will possess a perpetual present, and a
no-second place in the history of America.
Extracted 14 Sep 2019 by Norma Hass from The Past, Present, and Future of New Smyrna, by John Y. Detwiler, published in 1916.
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