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Located on the northwest corner of 13 mile long
Amelia Island, the beach's golden era as a deepwater
port and vacation resort ended a century ago. However,
you can still see the history and beauty of this charming, old fashioned town by visiting these locations.
Fernandina Beach Marine Harbo and Shrimp Boat Docks:
Located on Front Street, locals say this is where modern offshore shrimping industry began.
Florida Railroad Depot: Now serves as a the Chamber of
Commerce. It used to link the harbor to Florida's
first trans-peninsular railroad. This was the idea of
the town's founder, David Levy Yulee.
Palace Saloon: Is presently being restored after a fire. It dates back to 1878 and is decorated with elaborate murals and carved caryatids. It used to be the ritziest bar in town. It was the last bar to close its doors during prohibition.
Nassau County Courthouse: This is the tallest building in Fernandina Beach. Nothing else can be built taller than the bell tower of this Italiante Georgian Revival building.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church: It was built in the
early 1880s by out of work shipwrights On the south
side, a stained glass window commemorates Mary Martha
Reid, who was granted a lifetime pension for her work
in the Civil War.
Trinity United Methodist Church: Built by and for the
African-American congregation, it included a local
doctor, pharmacist and newspaper editor.
Kate's Tree: The town decided this oak tree needed to
be cut down to improve traffic flow. One resident,
Kate Bailey, wouldn't have it. She sat on her veranda
with a shotgun threatening to shoot anyone who cut it
down. The tree and her house, the Bailey House, now a
bed and breakfast, still stands in the city.
Florida House Inn: Guests have included President
Grant and Jose Marti, the father of Cuban
Independence. The hotel is booming. If you are
interested in staying here or at the Bailey House bed
and breakfast, make sure to call ahead for
availability.
So on the beach and in the town, have fun in
Fernandina Beach at these sights!
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