Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
Eldora
NPS/Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Significance:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
Amenities
7 listed
Accessible Rooms, Benches/Seating, Dock/Pier, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot
Eldora was named for early residents, Ellen and Dora Pitzer the daughters of George Pitzer. Settlers came as treasure hunters, having purchased maps to hidden riches. Others came as carpenters, fishermen, beekeepers, and farmers. These hardy folks were met with harsh environments, lack of fresh water, mosquitos and summer heat.
All depended on the shallow draft steamboats that served the inland waterways for transportation of goods and people. It played an important role in Florida’s interior development before roads and rail lines were built. When the railroad came to Edgewater the Eldora economy was transformed. The little town was no longer on the main trade route.
Two years of killing frost in the 1890’s wiped out most of the citrus, causing residents to leave. By 1900 nearly all business on the island had ended. Some families stayed and made the turn from a farming community to a resort area for visitors seeking refuge from cold northern winters.
All depended on the shallow draft steamboats that served the inland waterways for transportation of goods and people. It played an important role in Florida’s interior development before roads and rail lines were built. When the railroad came to Edgewater the Eldora economy was transformed. The little town was no longer on the main trade route.
Two years of killing frost in the 1890’s wiped out most of the citrus, causing residents to leave. By 1900 nearly all business on the island had ended. Some families stayed and made the turn from a farming community to a resort area for visitors seeking refuge from cold northern winters.
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Eldora Audio Tour
Enjoy listening to this audio tour of Eldora. A once thriving late 1800's community that resided along the edge of Mosquito Lagoon at what is now Canaveral National Seashore.
- Date created:
- 05/08/2021