Long before the sandy beaches, amusement parks, and luxury resorts, the state of Florida was home to various historical events and fascinating stories. One such tale revolves around Dr Andrew Turnbull and his ambitious attempt to establish a colony in the region known as New Smyrna. This article delves into the life of Dr Turnbull and explores the intriguing story of the New Smyrna Colony in Florida.
Who was Dr Andrew Turnbull?
Dr Andrew Turnbull was a Scottish physician and entrepreneur who dreamed of creating a prosperous community in the newly-formed British colony of Florida in the late 18th century. Born in Scotland in 1718, Turnbull pursued a medical career and eventually became a surgeon in the British Navy.
Driven by the desire for wealth and success, Dr Turnbull set his sights on Florida, which was then under British rule. With funding from fellow investors, he planned to establish a large-scale plantation and a new settlement.
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| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 3017 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
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The New Smyrna Colony
In 1767, Dr Andrew Turnbull arrived in Florida with around 1,400 settlers, mainly from the eastern Mediterranean region. These settlers included indentured servants, primarily from Minorca, along with Greeks and Italians. In total, there were around 500 families in the colony.
The settlement was named New Smyrna, after the original Greek city Smyrna, modern-day Izmir. Dr Turnbull hoped to cultivate indigo, hemp, sugarcane, and grapes on his plantation, which covered vast amounts of land in the area.
Challenges and Hardships
Life in the New Smyrna Colony was far from idyllic. The settlers faced numerous challenges and harsh conditions. The scorching Florida climate, unfamiliar diseases, and intense labor took a toll on the settlers' health and morale.
Furthermore, conflicts arose between the different ethnic groups, resulting in tensions within the colony. Disease outbreaks, including outbreaks of "sand flea fever" and mosquito-borne illnesses, also plagued the settlement.
Downfall and Legacy
Despite the initial hardships and struggles, the New Smyrna Colony managed to sustain itself for nearly a decade. However, in 1777, Dr Andrew Turnbull returned to Europe, leaving the colony in the hands of his agent, Hector Bradbury.
Eventually, the plantation failed due to a combination of factors, including droughts, insect infestations, and a lack of support from the British government. The remaining settlers scattered, with some migrating to nearby areas while others established new lives in different parts of America.
Dr Andrew Turnbull's dream of establishing a thriving colony in Florida may not have materialized as he envisioned. However, his venture played a significant role in the history of Florida and the United States. In many ways, the New Smyrna Colony symbolizes the resilience and determination of early settlers who faced immense challenges in pursuing their dreams.
So, the next time you visit the beautiful beaches and resorts in Florida, take a moment to remember Dr Andrew Turnbull and the forgotten tale of the New Smyrna Colony.
