Florida 1880
Before the Disaster
Florida, in 1880, was America’s last frontier. The 1880 census ranked it as one of the least populous states in the nation. Its largest city was Key West with a population of 9800. Jacksonville had 7650, Tampa boasted 720 residents and both Orlando and Miami had zero. Tiny Rhode Island had a larger population than Florida. There was virtually no infrastructure, few roads and almost no rail. There was, however, the 310 mile long St. Johns River.
Nicknamed Land of Flowers, Florida was exotic and beautiful but also swampy, overgrown, rife with mosquito borne illnesses and teeming with alligators. “Crackers”, (early settlers), eked out an existence in the snake infested hammocks. Although railroad links were quickly growing, the St. Johns river provided the only access to most of the state.
St Johns River, A Silvery Moon Shone Down and Was Still, Florida, publisher Underwood & Underwood, Keystone Series c1875.
A Florida Hammock, published by Underwood and Underwood c1875.
Alligator Sunning by St. Johns River, Florida Land of Flowers and Tropical Scenery, Bloomfield Historical Guide. c1880
Jacksonville Butcher Going to Market, University Series, Stereoscopic Gems of American and Foreign Scenery c1875.
Devil's Elbow St. Johns River, Florida Land of Flowers and Tropical Scenery, publisher unknown.
The Mighty St. Johns
The St. Johns River was broad and grand near Jacksonville but became twisting, narrow and shallow with shifting sandbars further south.
President Grant toured Florida in 1880. He traveled by steamboat down the St. Johns River but had to change to a smaller boat because the water was too low to allow his side-wheel steamer to continue.
Jacksonville, with its national railroad links, was the major distribution center. There was very little rail south of the city in 1880. Travelers, supplies, agricultural exports, etc were transported by river utilizing early steamboats and Jacksonville’s rail links.
Bay Street, Jacksonville 1880 Southern Views, O. Pierre Havens, photographer.
Jacksonville Wharves, Florida Views, Wood and Bickel photographers c1880
Jacksonville 1880, C. Seaver Jr., Charles Pollock Southern Series
Unprecedented Success
Built in Jacksonville and launched with a bottle of champagne across the bow in 1880, the City of Sanford accomplished what no prior St. Johns River steamship could reliably do. Due to clever engineering, it was able to consistently carry passengers and huge quantities of freight roundtrip from Jacksonville to Lake Monroe 200 miles south.
Its cargoes were described as enormous. It also provided first class accommodations for early tourists. Its owner described it as “perfect in every particular”.
Gathering Oranges, Florida, Land of Flowers and Tropical Scenery
The City of Sanford was one of the most successful steamers on the river. However, it will not be remembered for its achievements but rather for its tragic, senseless end.
It was the perfect steamer at the perfect time until it wasn’t.
It has lain in the St. Johns river since 1882, it’s horrific story and tragic wreck site waiting.
The City of Sanford was wildly successful and rarely had any freight or passenger availability. It was the height of the “citrus boom”. Massive wild orange groves lined the river, and the City of Sanford transported huge quantities to Jacksonville for northern export. Early vegetable, unavailable in the north or west and highly prolific in the rich Florida soil, also generated large export profits.
Settlers seeking citrus and agricultural fortunes began streaming into the state. With insatiable northern demand and “orange fever” driving explosive growth, citrus and early vegetables made the City of Sanford’s owners very wealthy, very quickly.
With very little rail, it was the early steamboats that drove Florida’s agricultural economy. That was quickly followed by the lucrative arrival of huge throngs of tourists seeking exotic adventure.
View St. Johns River Green Cove Springs steamboat dock, publisher unknown c1880
FDOT aerial of the shipwreck in the St. Johns River prior to it being covered by the rising river.
Views on the St. Johns River, The Landing, Tocoi (St. Augustine), published E. & H.T. Anthony, New York c1880
Jacksonville, publisher unknown c1875.
Views on the St. Johns River, published E. & H. T Anthony, New York c1875