Palatka's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

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The book Florida Black Heritage Trail was published in 2007 by the Florida Division of Historic Resources

Photo Credit: Florida Department of State, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA

Putnam County's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1866.

Florida has a rich and diverse history.  African American landmarks and legacies exist in various locations throughout the state. The following historical sites can be found in Putnam County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.

Palatka
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
 719 Reid Street
The residents of the community of Newtown organized the Bethel AME church in 1866. This Romanesque Revival style building was constructed by the congregation circa 1908- 1912. 386-328-3540

Old Central Academy High School
127 Washington Street
Established in 1892, Central Academy became the first accredited Negro high school in Florida in 1924. The first Central Academy building was destroyed by fire in 1936. The present building replaced it in 1937. For a time it served as the school district's transportation office. The building, which the district turned over to the Palatka Housing Authority, fell into disrepair. A committee is working to raise money for its restoration.

Adapted from Florida Black Heritage Trail, published by the Florida Department of State, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, copyright 2007. For more information on African American sites, please visit flheritage.com.

Additional information can also be found at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/milesmedia/floridablackheritage/