Ponce de Leon is reputed to have entered the inlet now named for him at New Smyrna Beach during his first Florida exploration in 1513.
Federal navy cannonading destroyed the community in 1863, and the freezes of 1895.
Later pirates and plunderers entered through the inlet and wreaked havoc, and American Indian chief Wildcat terrorized the area.
Andrew Turnbull created his short-lived New Smyrna settlement in 1768.
Jonathan Dickenson crossed the inlet to safety with the Spanish in 1696, and Dr.
Ponce de Leon is reputed to have entered the inlet now named for him at New Smyrna Beach during his first Florida exploration in 1513