South of the St. Marys River

 


"South of the St. Marys River - Stories from the History of Northeast Florida" delves into the rich and fascinating history of a region that has played a significant role in shaping the cultural tapestry of America. From the prehistoric times when Northeast Florida was inhabited by fearsome creatures to the epic battles between Spain and France for control of the territory, this book offers a unique look at the events that have shaped the area.

 Now Available in Kindle and Paperback Editions



Readers will journey through the tumultuous times when Georgia invaded Florida not once, but three times, as well as the infamous era of pirates on Amelia Island. Explore the life of David Levy Yulee, a prominent figure in Florida's history, and learn about the innovative Florida Railroad Company that transformed transportation in the region.


From the pivotal Battle of Olustee to the ghost town of Italia in Nassau County, this book uncovers hidden gems and forgotten stories that have left a lasting impact on Northeast Florida. Dive into the silent film industry in Jacksonville, the controversial Cross-Florida Barge Canal project, and the chilling tale of Ottis Elwood Toole, a notorious serial killer.


Discover the beauty and history of Cumberland Island, Georgia, and follow the evolution of US-17 and the history of smuggling in Northeast Florida. "South of the St. Marys River" offers a panoramic view of Northeast Florida's past, providing a captivating journey through time for history buffs and curious readers alike.


Here's a Peak at What's Inside:



David Levy Yulee - Founder of The Florida Railroad
Read More About Him in Chapter 5



Oliver Hardy - Northeast Florida Silent Film Star
Read More About Film Making in Northeast Florida in Chapter 9


Prohibition - a Boost to Northeast Florida's economy
Read More About Prohibition in Northeast Florida in Chapter 14


Monsour - This Big Guy Roamed Northeast Florida
Read More About Northeast Florida Before Humans in Chapter 1



Ottis Toole - Northeast Florida's Serial Killer
Read More About Him in Chapter 11

From scoundrels to heroes "South of the St. Marys River - Stories from the History of Northeast Florida" captures the stories and events that shaped the region, state and country.

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Favorites of Your Fellow Readers

Ottis Elwood Toole: The Jacksonville Serial Killer

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This article is reprinted from the book  South of the St Marys River: Stories from the History of Northeast Florida On July 27, 1981 Reve Walsh took her six year old, Adam shopping at a Sears store in Hollywood , Florida .  She left him playing video games in the toy department for a few minutes.  When she returned Adam was nowhere to be found.  Two weeks later the boy’s head was discovered by fishermen in a canal near Vero Beach , nearly 120 miles away.  Adam’s body was never found.  Over the following years, Adam’s father, John Walsh, became an activist on behalf of murdered and missing children and went on to host the television show “ America ’s Most Wanted.” While the case was never officially solved, both the police and John Walsh believe they know who was responsible for Adam’s abduction and murder:  Ottis Elwood Toole of Jacksonville , Florida . Ottis Elwood Toole was born in the Springfield area of Jacksonville on March 5, 1947.  A...
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Italia: Nassau County Florida's Ghost Town

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Just off Exit 373 in Nassau County , Florida , is the ghost town of Italia.  Once a thriving village vital to the development of North East Florida in the late 19 th century, Italia is long since abandoned.  Few people are aware of its history or that of its founder, William MacWilliams.   William MacWilliams was born in Ireland in 1840, the son of a grocery store owner.  Despite the local recession and the potato famine of 1846 through 1849, the MacWilliams family was prosperous and William received a good education.  He was a bright young man and a good student.  As a teenager he became prominent in the Irish Nationalist movement.  Concerned for William’s safety, his father sent him to America in 1859 to remove him from harm’s way. MacWilliams met and married Elizabeth Jane Dawson around 1860 and they had two children together while living in Philadelphia .  In 1863 the family returned to Ireland to visit his family where they stayed f...
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