CRESCENT CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT

By  Mike Miller May 24, 2025

The Crescent City, Florida Historic District is a preserved region showcasing the town’s past. Located between Lake Stella and Crescent Lake, it covers a compact area with 212 historic buildings.

The district reflects the small-town charm of old Florida. Visitors can explore vintage homes, churches, and businesses. It’s a window into the area’s agricultural and cultural roots. 

Hubbard House in Crescent City Historical District

Crescent City was settled in 1852 as the Old Oliver Plantation. It was platted in 1876 and incorporated in 1883. The town grew as a citrus and fernery hub.

The district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, includes buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A. Philip Randolph, a civil rights leader, was born here in 1889. His work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters shaped labor and civil rights movements.

The Hubbard House, built in the 1870s, is another key site, tied to a family influential in citrus pest control. 

The district is in Crescent City, Putnam County, bounded by Lake Stella, Vernon Avenue, Crescent Lake, and Orange Avenue. Access is open year-round, with no set hours for public spaces.

Pick up a free walking tour guide at City Hall on US 17. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven sidewalks. Visit in spring or fall for milder weather. Nearby, Lake Stella and Crescent Lake offer fishing and kayaking.

The Sprague House Bed & Breakfast provides a historic stay with period decor. Check local events at the City’s website. 

• The district has 212 historic buildings, including Jethro First Baptist Church, a National Register contributor.   
  
  
• A. Philip Randolph, born locally, organized the 1963 March on Washington.  
   
• Eagle’s Nest Grove, nearby, is Florida’s oldest continuous organic citrus grove. 
    
• Steamships once docked at Crescent Lake, carrying settlers and goods.   
  
  
• The local women’s club, one of Florida’s oldest, helped build the town’s library. 
    
• Many buildings remain unchanged since the early 1900s. 
    
• The district lies between two lakes, offering sunrise and sunset views.  
   
• Native American tools and pottery from thousands of years ago are found nearby.  

CRESCENT CITY WEBSITE