The Williams House of Fernandina Beach

By Florida Division of Historic Resources Staff

Published: July 17, 2008

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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 Nassau County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.

Amelia Island
American Beach
Off Highway 105 between Amelia City and Franklintown
The American Beach historic district is at the south end of Amelia Island. In 1935, A.L. Lewis, president of the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company bought 33 acres of oceanfront property. Company employees were invited to use the beach and the company held outings on the property. Later subdivided, lots were sold to company executives and shareholders. The Pension
Bureau acquired more land and developed an oceanfront resort, providing an open pavilion, guest houses and vacation homes for purchase. (904) 261-0175.


Fernandina Beach
Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church
202 South 9th Street
Organized in 1872 from the Prayer Band started some years earlier by Samuel Irving, Macedonia AME Church was originally located on the corner of Seventh and Beech Streets. The Congregation moved into its newly built sanctuary in 1899. The bell in its belfry is original to the building. In the 1940s families purchased stained glass windows in honor of their loved ones. (904) 261-4114.


The Williams House
103 South 9th Street
Though Jefferson Davis stayed at this 1859 Antebellum mansion when he was president of the Confederacy, it later became part of the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves. The secret room used for that purpose is still in existence. The house now serves as a bed and breakfast inn. (904) 277-2328.


Nassauville
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
State Road 107
The traditional site for free Blacks, Indians, Spanish Indians and Mulattoes, Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church served as the rallying place for the African American community in Nassau County. The original church was built in 1870, burned in 1920 and rebuilt with community funding the same year.

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/

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