APALACHICOLA
Before European settlers arrived to take over the land, Apalachicola and other Gulf Coast cities were populated by Native Americans. Evidence is provided in artifacts found along riverbanks and estuaries dating back more than 14,000 years. Oyster middens scattered throughout the region point to the importance this seafood is to the people living and trading here.
President James Monroe first established Apalachicola, county seat of Franklin County, as a port in 1822. The municipality was later incorporated in 1829, making it one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast.
The name is believed to be derived from the Choctaw word “Apelachi” meaning “helper or ally” or “Apelichi,” meaning ruling place and “Okla,” meaning people. Literally, the names translate into “people of the ruling place.”
Long recognized as a trade center, its ideal location in the Apalachicola River valley provided easy access for the cotton industry to a port city and exportation routes.
When this trade lane was blocked during the Civil War, lumber became the next important industry for the region. Rich in longleaf pines and cypress, lumber mills and turpentine factories grew along the river.
In the late 1800s, oysters once again became a major
trade commodity. By the close of the century, Apalachicola
was producing more than 50,000 cans of oyster each
day.
By the end of the 19th century, more than 90 percent of all the oysters sold in Florida, and 10 percent of the nation’s supply came from this small gulf town, a trend that continues today. Together with other salt water treats such as shrimp, crab and finfish, Franklin County produces more than $11 million worth of seafood annually. Hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 had a drastic effect of oyster beds, but the industry is making a strong comeback.
A turn toward the past has fueled historical district renovations and tourism is again a growing enterprise. Visitors to the area can enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Coast at a slower, more sedate pace. Revitalization of the downtown district offers a look into the past, while offering all the amenities of the present.
Guests can tour Trinity Church, which was established in 1837. Believed to be the sixth oldest church in Florida, services continue to be held in this beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. Handcrafted columns grace the entrance of the while pine building, which was assembled with wooden pegs.
A short distance away is Coombs House, built in 1905 by James N. Coombs, considered one of the town’s most influential citizens. The Victorian mansion, meticulously restored in 1992, is now an elegant Bed and Breakfast Inn, one of many in the town.
Gibson Inn, an original hotel for travelers to the
region in the early 1900s, is now home to one of the
town’s most recognizable landmarks. The three-story
Bed and Breakfast is adorned with two wraparound porches
and a crowning cupola.
Weather
- Average yearly temperature: 77
- Hottest month: July – average high 90
- Coldest month: January – average low 43
- Annual rainfall: 56 inches
- Monthly average rainfall: 4.7 inches
- Wettest month: July – 7.31 inches
- Driest month: May – 2.62 inches
- Record high temperature: August 1995 – 103
- Record low temperature: January 1985 – 9
- Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year
- Major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher) that have struck the Northwest Gulf Coast of Florida in the past 154 years: 14
[As of 08/06/05 – source NOAA]
Demographics- Population (2000 census): 2,334 full time residents
- Total Area: 2.7 square miles – 1.9 sq. miles land, .8 sq. miles water
- Per capita income – $12,227
- Median family income – $28,464
- Median age – 43
- Population ratio (males: females) – 90.2:100
- Major industry – oyster harvesting, tourism
Local Directory:
Schools
- Chapman Elementary – 98 12th St, Apalachicola. – (850) 653-8420
- Apalachicola Middle - 98 12th St., Apalachicola – (850) 653-8420
- Apalachicola High School - #1 Shark Blvd., Apalachicola – (850) 653-2782
- Apalachicola Charter School – 350 Fred Meyer St., Apalachicola – (850) 653-1222
- Brown Elementary School – 85 School Rd, Eastpoint – (850) 607- 8458
Law enforcement
- Franklin County Sheriff's Dept. – 270 State Rd. 65
- Eastpoint – (850) 670-8500
- Apalachicola Police Dept., 1 Avenue E, Apalachicola – (850) 653-9432
Post office
- 20 Ave. D, Apalachicola – (850) 653-9554
Library
- 76 6th St., Apalachicola – (850) 653-8436
- 29 Island Dr., Eastpoint – (850) 670-8151
- 311 St. James Ave., Carabelle – (850) 697-2366
- Wilderness Coast Public Libraries Bookmobile - (850) 926-4571
Fire station
- 1 Ave. E, Apalachicola – (850) 653-4716
City Hall
- 1 Ave. E, Apalachicola. – (850) 653-9319
Chamber of Commerce and Community Center
- 122 Commerce St, Apalachicola. – (850) 653-9419
Airport
- Apalachicola International Aviation Training Center – 8 Airport Rd., Apalachicola. – (850) 653-2222 – Public service airport does not provide service to commercial airlines.
For Things to Do in Apalachicola, click here.
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