Welcome to the Eldora Statehouse, a historical gem within the Canaveral National Seashore in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. As you take in the sights and sounds of this serene location, let your imagination transport you back to the bustling community that once thrived here in the late 1800s.
Originally known as Fairview, this village was a lively settlement located along the edge of Mosquito Lagoon. Picture the scene: over a hundred residents, schools, and even a post office supported daily life. Boats would navigate the waterways, delivering essential supplies and collecting the village’s produce, which included oranges, honey from bee apiaries, and vegetables. Life here was vibrant, with the community relying heavily on the bounty of the land and lagoon.
However, the prosperity of Fairview was not to last. Two significant freezes in 1895 and 1900 devastated the orange groves, a primary source of income for the settlers. The completion of the railroad on the mainland further isolated the community, as boat transport was gradually abandoned. By the early 20th century, Fairview had faded into obscurity, becoming a quiet backwater community.
The transformation of Fairview into Eldora came as Florida became a popular winter retreat for wealthy northerners escaping harsh winters. Eldora began attracting these original ‘snowbirds’ who engaged in hunting, fishing, and beach trips. Yet, the arrival of the Great Depression in the 1930s marked another period of decline for Eldora, with many of its structures falling into disrepair, including the Eldora Statehouse.
The story of the Eldora Statehouse could have ended there, but thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Canaveral in the 1980s, the Statehouse was meticulously restored over a decade-long project. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautifully restored Eldora Statehouse, the last remaining home of that era, offering a glimpse into the past. Sit in a rocking chair on the porch and let the echoes of Eldora’s history wash over you, imagining the vibrant community that once called this place home.
