Welcome to Port St. Joe, a locality steeped in history along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida. Originally founded as St. Joseph in 1835 by entrepreneurs escaping land title conflicts in Apalachicola, this area quickly rose to prominence as the largest city in the Territory of Florida. With a deep harbor and a strategic location, St. Joseph became a bustling seaport and even hosted Florida’s first Constitutional Convention in 1838, earning its nickname as the ‘Constitution City.’ However, the prosperity was short-lived. The city faced a series of calamities including a yellow fever epidemic in 1841 and a devastating hurricane in 1844, which led to its abandonment.
The area lay quiet until the early 20th century when a new settlement emerged, spurred by the arrival of the Apalachicola Northern Railroad in 1909. This marked the rebirth of the community now known as Port St. Joe. The town thrived with the establishment of a paper mill in 1938, which became a cornerstone of the local economy until its closure in 1999.
Port St. Joe played a vital role during the Civil War, notably as a significant salt production site for the Confederate Army. However, Union forces destroyed these salt works in 1862. Despite these historical upheavals, the spirit of resilience has always characterized Port St. Joe, as seen in its recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018.
The town’s cultural landscape is rich and diverse. The North Port St. Joe community, an area with a significant African-American heritage, has been the subject of recent studies to better understand and preserve its cultural narratives. This community’s history is intertwined with the broader story of Port St. Joe’s evolution.
Notable figures such as Cecil G. Costin Sr., a prominent attorney and state representative, contributed to the town’s development. His legacy is visible in the stained glass windows he donated to the First Baptist Church of Port St. Joe, which, despite being damaged by Hurricane Michael, stands as a testament to the community’s endurance.
As you explore Port St. Joe, imagine the bustling port it once was, the resilience of its people through adversities, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that continues to evolve.
