County Seat: Bunnell, Florida

Bunnell was founded in 1911 as a planned community by the Bunnell Development Company. The town was named after its founder, Alvah A. Bunnell, a prominent citizen and businessman in the area. Bunnell was chosen as the county seat of Flagler County when the county was established in 1917.

Early Years

In the early years of the town, agriculture was the mainstay of the local economy. Bunnell was located in the heart of Flagler County's agricultural region, and many residents were involved in farming and ranching. The town was known for its potatoes, which were grown in abundance in the surrounding fields. The annual Potato Festival, which began in the 1930s, celebrates the area's agricultural heritage and includes a parade, live music, and food vendors.

Bunnell as the County Seat

Bunnell was chosen as the county seat of Flagler County when the county was established in 1917. 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.

In the 1920s, Bunnell experienced a period of growth and prosperity due to the development of tourism in Florida. The town's location near the coast and its pleasant climate made it an attractive destination for tourists, and several hotels were built in the area. The Florida East Coast Railway, which had a station in Bunnell, also contributed to the town's growth by providing transportation for tourists and goods.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Bunnell suffered along with the rest of the country. Many residents were forced to leave the area in search of work, and the town's economy suffered. However, Bunnell rebounded in the post-World War II years with the growth of the automobile industry and the construction of new highways. The town's location on US Highway 1 made it a natural stopping point for travelers, and several motels and restaurants were built in the area.

Notable Structures

  • Lambert House: The oldest existent building in Bunnell. Built in 1909.
  • Old Bunnell State Bank Building: A masonry structure built in 1910. Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
  • George Moody House: Built in Craftsman style in 1917.
  • William Henry 'Doc' Deen House: Frame structure built in 1918.
  • Holden House Museum: A Craftsman bungalow built in 1918. Now owned by the Flagler County Historical Society.
  • Old Flagler County Courthouse: Neoclassical style, designed by Wilbur Talley in 1926. Officially dedicated on July 28, 1927.
  • Little Red School House Museum: Constructed by Bunnell High School Future Farmers of America students in 1938.

Mentions in Business Directories

Through the years, Bunnell was noted in the business directories.

Florida Gazetteer and Business Directory, Publisher: RL Polk & Co., 1907

BUNNELL Population 200. On the F E C Ry, in St John county, 50 miles south of St Augustine, the county seat and 27 from Palatka, the nearest banking point. Minnie Johnston, postmaster.

  • Bachelder B B, contractor
  • Bulon Turpentine Co
  • Brownell Trust Co
  • Carter Drug Co
  • Cochran W H, saw mill
  • Deen D M, lumber
  • Deen J E & Co, turpentine
  • Eagerton Hotel
  • Hamilton Thomas H, insurance
  • Lambert J F & Co, general store
  • Lambert & Moody, saw mill
  • Moodv-Crews Co, turpentine
  • Ross S, grocer
  • St Peter M, physician
  • Swain G M, notary
  • Willingham A H, meats

Florida Gazetteer and Business Directory, Publisher: RL Polk & Co., 1907

BUNNELL Population, 300 The judicial seat of Flagler county is located on the F. E. C. Ry., 50 miles south of St. Augustine and 27 from Palatha. Has a bank, a weekly newspaper, the Tribune, ice, light and water plants, public schools and churches of the leading denominations.
Tel., W. U. Telephone connection.
Exp., Sou.

  • Bacher W H, blacksmith
  • Bartlett W Lee, county judge
  • Boaz J B, publr Aribune
  • Bolton B A, furniture and undertaker
  • Brandenburg C J Mrs, milliner and notions
  • Bunnell Bottling Works
  • Bunnell Garage & Auto Supply Co
  • Bunnell Hardware Co
  • Bunnell Ice, Light & Water Co
  • Bunnell Mercantile Co, genl store
  • BUNNELL STATE BANK (Capital $15,000),
    I I Moody Pres, R J Hendricks Cashr
  • Carter Lemuel A, physician
  • Been A. county tax assessor
  • Hendricks R I, cashr Bunnell State Bank
  • Holden Thomas E., drugs
  • Holland Z G. county commissioner
  • Johnston E W, sheriff
  • Kanner Morris, genl store
  • Lambert & Moody, genl store and turpentine
  • McArn Co, genl store
  • Moody George, county commissioner
  • Osborne F G, meats
  • Pellicier C E, tax collector
  • Peoples Mercantile Co, genl store
  • Richardson Z W, county commissioner
  • St Peter Moses, physician
  • Tribune (weekly), J B Boaz publr
  • Turner C F, clk Circuit Court
  • Yarn C G, prosecuting attorney