"Before the arrival of Spanish and French explorers, Green Cove Springs was inhabited by various groups of the Timucua Indians. When Spain relinquished Florida at the end of the French and Indian War, British aristocrats established several large rice and indigo plantations. Magnolia Springs become a popular winter resort after Dr. Nathan Benedict of New York established the first hotel around 1853. Today the hotels and navy are gone, but it remains the county seat with a thriving community and small-town charm."

Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1. Spahish, British, and the Civil War -- 2. Magnolia Springs Hotel -- 3. Green Cove Springs Hotels -- 4. The Green Cove Spring -- 5. Tourist recreation -- 6. City of Green Cove Springs -- 7. Isaac Haas, an early local photographer -- 8. Lee Field and NAAS Green Cove Springs -- Bibliography.