Palatka, County seat in Putnam County, Florida, United States
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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