Neighborhood History

This history of the neighborhood plays a vital part in the identity of its residents. If you have lived in the neighborhood for many years, the neighborhood history is a heartfelt reminder of days gone by.

If you have just come to call the neighborhood home, it is a way to learn more about the new community you have joined. We would love nothing more than to be able to share the history of neighborhood name with all who reside there. If you are interested in writing a brief history of the neighborhood to share with the community, please contact us!

LOCAL HISTORIAN Andrew Turnbull landed in the area in 1767 to make a new settlement. England granted him 20,000 acres to start the new settlement. Turnbull took many people from the Isle of Minorca, off the coast of Greece. New Smyrna is actually named after the town of Western Turkey. They walked the area and west to England to gather partners. There was four different languages spoken among the settlers. Turnbull ordered a shop to Africa to collect 500 slaves, which is believed to have been lost at sea. He also sent men to the Carolinas to get cattle, which also did not pan out. Life in the early days of New Smyrna Colony was not easy. When they stopped at St. Augustine on the way, many just got off the ship and started walking here to this area. Many of the carpenters and fisherman settled in the Turnbull Bay area, working off the abundant land area. A reproduction on one of the homes from the settlement is on display at the Edgewater Museum. (The Observer)

Minorca Community is compliments of: