Apalachicola Bay

From the union of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers at the Georgia-Florida state line, the mighty Apalachicola River flows unimpeded for about 100 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. At the river’s mouth lies Apalachicola Bay and Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” known for world-class seafood and seemingly endless miles of pristine beaches, shallow estuaries, and protected forests. In Apalachicola Bay, author Kevin McCarthy takes us through the history of the bay’s sites and communities. Come along and discover: The cities and communities of Franklin County—Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, Lanark, and St. James Island—which have retained the charm of old Florida as they adapt to changing times. The area’s barrier islands—St. Vincent, St. George, Dog Island—which are true ecological treasures and harbor exotic Sambar deer, endangered red wolves, 300-pound loggerhead turtles, as well as more than 200 bird species and 400 plant species. The Apalachicola River, Apalachicola National Forest, and Apalachicola National Estuary Research Reserve—rich natural environments that have made it possible for people to live around the bay since as long as 10,000 years ago and which are remarkably well-preserved today. Sites such as Fort Gadsden, Cape St. George lighthouse, and Crooked River lighthouse, as well as Apalachicola’s historic homes and buildings, which reflect the area’s rich history as a port, military-training area, and a center for cotton-packing, logging, and the harvesting of sea products The area’s distinguished historic personalities, such as physician John Gorrie, who discovered air-conditioning in 1844, and botanist Alvan Chapman, who in 1860 catalogued the flora of the southern United States With vibrant color paintings by William Trotter, Apalachicola Bay will let you savor some authentic Florida history and see what makes this “Forgotten Coast” memorable for residents and visitors alike.