Palatka, County seat in Putnam County, Florida, United States
Description
Palatka is an administrative center and county seat in Putnam County, Florida, stretching along the western shore of the St. Johns River. The town includes residential blocks, public buildings, and commercial streets connected by wide avenues and smaller side roads.
History
In 1821, the settlement began at a river ford that was later secured by military installations such as Fort Shannon during the Seminole Wars. After the conflict, the place developed into an administrative center and gained county seat status.
Culture
The name comes from the Seminole word "Pilatka," meaning ferry crossing, which reflects its riverside location. Today, visitors find walking paths and small parks along the waterfront, where locals fish or stroll.
Practical
The town sits about 50 feet (16 meters) above sea level and offers direct access to the St. Johns River, which helps with orientation in the center. Main roads lead north toward Jacksonville and west to other cities in central Florida.
Did you know?
The Putnam County Historical Society manages archives with documents about Benjamin A. Putnam, the county namesake and commander during the Seminole Wars. This collection features military correspondence and land maps from the early years of Florida settlement.
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1.7 km
Memorial Bridge
2.8 km
Dunns Creek
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Etoniah Creek State Forest
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Welaka State Forest
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Mount Royal
23.5 km
Bronson-Mulholland House
2.2 km
Central Academy
1.3 km
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
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Hastings High School
15.8 km
Putnam County Courthouse
1.8 km
Fort Shannon
0 m
Larimer Memorial Library
2 kmDeep Creek Conservation Area
18.6 kmLittle Lake George Wilderness
21.7 km
Crescent City Historic District
27.8 km
Hubbard House
27.7 km
Hastings Community Center
15.9 km
Bostwick School
13.8 km
Tenney House and Groveland Hotel
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Sanchez Homestead
19.5 km
Interlachen Hall
23.5 kmPalmetto Bluff
15.5 kmPine Bluff
17.4 kmLake Ocklawaha
25.5 kmMadison Theatre
1.2 kmPalatka Golf Club
2 kmGem City Cottage LLC.
2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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