The History of Northeast Florida

  Cora Crane (born Cora Ethel Eaton Howorth) remains one of the most fascinating, unconventional, and frequently misunderstood figures in Northeast Florida history and in late 19th century literature. While history often relegates her to the role of "the author's wife," Cora was a formidable force of nature.  She was a businesswoman, a war correspondent, and a woman who defied every Victorian social norm to forge a life of her own making. Her relationship with Stephen Crane, the brilliant but self destructive author of The Red Badge of Courage , was a union of two outcasts who found in each other a shared spirit of rebellion and a tragic, fleeting stability. Stephen Crane Born in Boston on July 12, 1868, Cora Ethel Eaton Howorth came from a family with a respectable lineage. However, her temperament was fundamentally at odds with New England restraint. Her early life was defined by a series of escapes. Her first marriage, at age 18, to Thomas Murphy, lasted barely a year....

  " 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 forgott...

As an author, people often ask me about the books that I read myself.  This list contains short reviews of some of the books that I have recently enjoyed.  I started this list for myself, to remind me of what I have already read, but decided to share it with you.   All are available for free through your local library, where I get most of my books and where I encourage you to get yours.   But, if you would rather have your own copy, or if you simply want to learn more, each review contains a link to its Amazon listing. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission for purchases through my links at no extra cost to you. This helps support my writing and keeps my free website going.  I only recommend books that I truly enjoy.  If I didn't like it, I'll tell you that, too! Make sure that you bookmark this page, as I update the list often. No Way Home by T.C. Boyle builds up incredible, high-stakes tension with the author's dark humor and super vivid ...

In the late 1800s Northeast Florida was a major winter destination for visitors from the northern states.  Henry Flagler’s railroad was pushing southward and with it came hotels and tourists.  The folks from “up north” wanted to experience Florida ’s warm climate and exotic environs.  All of these people needed to be entertained.  Of course, they wanted to see those strange prehistoric creatures that they had heard about – alligators.  Local entrepreneurs were happy to oblige by establishing amusement parks and alligator attractions.  For good measure, ostrich shows – featuring a species not native to Florida – were added to the mix.  After all, exotic animals are exotic animals. It all began on Anastasia Island , just outside of St. Augustine , in the 1890s.  A tram had recently been installed to ferry people from the City of St. Augustine to the beaches of Anastasia Island .  A St . Augustine resident set up a small exhibit at the...