Sanford, Florida – Home to the National Register of Historic Places
Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, Sanford is an enchanting place to live. Located along the shores of Lake Okeechobee, the town is home to historic buildings, houses, and a thriving river walk. It’s also home to the Naval Air Station Sanford, a national historic landmark.
History
Throughout its history, Sanford, Florida was known for racial injustice. In fact, it was the scene of an unsolved murder decades before the notorious Trayvon Martin case. But it is also home to a number of architectural landmarks. Some are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sanford was once a small agricultural village on the Mousam River. The town became prosperous in the late nineteenth century. The South Florida Railroad ran through Sanford. The railroad connected Sanford to Tampa and Jacksonville. The town became a major textile manufacturing center at the turn of the twentieth century. The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 devastated the citrus industry in Florida.
In the 1940s, textile manufacturing moved south. In the 1960s, Sanford was known as the Celery City. The New York Giants baseball team held spring training there. The city was also a popular recreational destination, thanks to Lake Monroe.
NAS Sanford
NAS Sanford is an airfield located in Sanford, Florida. It was originally a military installation for training pilots during World War II. A few years after the war, it was reactivated as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS). NAS Sanford played a crucial role in training pilots during the Cold War. It operated PBO Hudsons and PV-1 Venturas, which were used for advanced land-based patrol plane training.
It was also a major training base for carrier-bound aircraft. The first flight of the RA-5C Vigilante, a high-speed, nuclear bomber, took place at NAS Sanford on June 30, 1962. It was later converted to a reconnaissance aircraft and was put into action during the Vietnam War. The TA-3B variant continued to operate the RA-5C Fleet Replacement Squadron.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Several historic buildings and homes in Sanford, Florida are a part of the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings and homes were constructed during the early years of the city’s establishment.
Early commercial development in Sanford occurred along railroad tracks. The tracks serve as a natural separation between the old and new sections of downtown. Downtown Sanford is home to many historic buildings and homes. These buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles, including Neoclassicism, Gothic Revival, Art Deco, and Beaux-arts. Many of the buildings in the downtown Sanford district are constructed in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Sanford was once a major railroad and industrial center. It became the seat of Seminole County in 1913. In the early years, the city’s economy was almost crippled by the Great Depression. In 1929, the First National Bank of Sanford went out of business.
Downtown Riverwalk
Located in Sanford, Florida, the Sanford Riverwalk is a beautiful and relaxing trail that is perfect for biking, walking or rollerblading. The paved trail is a short distance from Downtown Sanford. This trail also features a dog park, playgrounds, benches, and water fountains.
Downtown Sanford is home to a number of historic buildings. The buildings are a reminder of Sanford’s history as a shipping hub. Some of the structures date back to the year 1883.
The Sanford Riverwalk is also home to a number of parks and museums. You can find local shops, restaurants, and galleries along the trail. It’s a great place to take a walk after work or to relax on a beautiful day.
Fort Mellon Park features a splash pad and playgrounds. You can also find a basketball court, BBQ grills, and picnic areas.
