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FLAGLER – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park was recently listed on the U.S. Department of
the Interior, National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. The
designation includes the homes, gardens and groves of Louise P. and Owen D.
Young and is only the second Historic place to be listed in Flagler County.
“Florida’s state parks protect a number of federal and state designated
historic landmarks, demonstrating our commitment to preserving Florida’s
heritage,” said Florida State Parks Director, Mike Bullock. “Washington Oaks
Gardens State Park is rich in history, culture and original scenery which we
will continue to preserve for future generations to enjoy.”
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is the 39th Florida state park to receive
designation on the National Register of Historic Places. In order to be on the
list, a property must pass the National Register criteria. This criteria
includes age, integrity and historical significance and is coordinated through
State Historic Preservation Offices.
General Joseph Hernandez, a Floridian of Minorcan descent, purchased the land
that now comprises the park in 1818 and named it “Bella Vista,” meaning
“beautiful view” in Spanish. Hernandez was a militia general who commanded
troops in north Florida during the Second Seminole War. On his many land
holdings, Hernandez raised cotton, sugar and crops to feed his family and staff.
Much of what remains in the park today was left by Mr. Owen D. Young and his
wife Louise, who bought the property in 1936 as a winter retreat. Mr. Young
helped found Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and became Chairman of the Board
of the General Electric Company in 1922. Mrs. Young donated the property to the
state of Florida in 1964 following the death of Mr. Young.
Today’s visitors to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park can enjoy hiking and
biking, nature trails, wildlife viewing, beaches, fishing and interpretive
exhibits in addition to the park’s beautiful gardens.
The National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is the
official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. The
national program, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,
coordinates and supports public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and
protect America’s historic and archeological resources. To learn more about the
National Register of Historic Places, visit
www.nps.gov/nr.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park
service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with
160 parks, most of which are open 365 days a year. Florida's state parks, which
span more than 700,000 acres and include more than 100 miles of sandy white
beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages.
To follow Florida's state parks on Twitter, visit
www.twitter.com/FLStateParks.
For more information about Florida's state parks, visit
www.floridastateparks.org.
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