Apalachicola is small town located on picturesque US route 98 on the southern tip of the Panhandle. This delightful little fishing village has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Apalachicola is an Indian name which has been interpreted as "friendly people".

Apalachicola has roots back to the early 1800s when it was established as a port for the cotton trade where it harbored ships that carried cotton back to Europe and New England. Apalachicola's Historic District has many fine old homes and buildings dating back to the 1830s. The original Trinity Episcopal Church still exists and has been holding services since 1836. A scenic walking tour provides an interesting trip back in time as one walks past old cotton warehouses and along the waterfront.

Dr. John Gorrie, a local physician during the mid 1800s, invented an ice-making machine in 1851 in an effort to help keep his yellow fever patients cool. His ice maker was the forerunner of today's air conditioning systems now so important to Floridian's and our visitors in the summer! A John Gorrie State Museum is located on Sixth Street, one block off of U.S. 98. A replica of Gorrie's ice machine is on display.

Today, Apalachicola's most important industry is seafood harvesting. Apalachicola is renowned for its excellent quality oysters where most of Florida's oysters are harvested. Apalachicola Bay is a very productive tidal bay system fed by the nutrient-rich Apalachicola river. Blue crab, shrimp and fish are also an important part of Apalachicola's local fishing industry.

Surrounding Apalachicola are a nearby national forest and sandy barrier islands. Apalachicola National Forest covers more than a half a million acres. Oaks, pines, cedars and cypress trees shade the many lakes and rivers. The national forests offers many recreational facilities and activities including canoeing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and camping. A portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a scenic hiking trail extending through Florida, passes through the forest. Silver Lake Recreation Area is located off of state road 20 near Tallahassee. A canoe trail begins 20 miles west of Tallahassee's and continues south for 67 miles to Ochlockonee River State Park, south of Sopchoppy.

Located just across the bay from historic Apalachicola is St. George Island. This twenty-eight mile barrier island offers choice vacation accommodations and St. George Island State Park. The park has nine miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches and dunes. Hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms are great way to experience a remnant of Florida's natural landscape. At the west end of the island is Cape St. George lighthouse and quarters. The 72 foot tall lighthouse was built in 1852.

Apalachicola Map