New Smyrna Beach, NSB, Coronado Beach History
Here at NSB Watch, we want to help educate our watch enthusiasts on the history of NSB the town, so they can better understand our name choices and timepiece designs.
Coronado Beach, located in the city of New Smyrna Beach in Florida, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
The area was first explored by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513, during his quest to find the legendary fountain of youth. He named the area "Smyrna" after the ancient city of Smyrna in present-day Turkey. The beach itself was named "Coronado" in honor of the Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who explored the American Southwest in the 16th century.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was primarily used for fishing and agriculture. The town of New Smyrna was founded in 1768 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a British physician and planter, who brought over 1,400 settlers from the Mediterranean to the area to establish a sugar plantation. However, the colony struggled due to disease and conflicts with the Seminole Native American tribe, and many of the settlers eventually left.
In the early 20th century, the beach began to attract tourists and developers. The first hotel, the Coral Sands, was built in 1911, and other hotels and businesses soon followed. The city of New Smyrna Beach was officially incorporated in 1925.
During World War II, the beach was used as a training ground for soldiers, and many of the hotels and businesses were converted into barracks and training facilities. After the war, the beach experienced a resurgence in tourism, and many new hotels and businesses were built.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Coronado Beach became a popular destination for spring breakers, drawing thousands of college students to the area each year. This led to the development of a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and nightclubs.
In recent years, Coronado Beach has continued to be a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic sites. The beach is home to the New Smyrna Museum of History, which offers exhibits on the area's rich history and cultural heritage, as well as the Coronado Beach Cottage Museum, which features restored cottages from the early 20th century.
In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Coronado Beach is also known for its excellent recreational opportunities. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The area is also home to several parks and nature preserves, offering hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Despite the many changes that the beach has undergone throughout history, Coronado Beach remains a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike. Its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty continues to attract visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular beaches in Florida.
In conclusion, Coronado Beach has a long and rich history, from its exploration by Spanish explorers to its development as a tourist destination. The beach has undergone many changes throughout the centuries, but it continues to be a beloved destination for visitors and locals alike, known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.