Turnbull Grand Canal
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 29° 00.799 W 080° 57.153
17R E 504621 N 3209461
Located on FL 44 and S. Walker Dr.
Waymark Code: WM1091Q
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 03/23/2019
Views: 7
The Turnbull Grand Canal, also known as the Grand Canal, was built by indentured servants brought to the area by Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull in 1768. As part pf the largest single attempt at British colonization in North America, Smyrnea Settlement, Turnbull attracted more than 1,400 Minorcans, Corsicans, Greeks, and Italians who sought the promise of new opportunities in Florida. Turnbull was impressed by the Egyptian canal system and wanted to replicate it in Smyrnea. Three canals ran east-west and were linked with a fourth, longer canal known as the Grand Canal that ran north-south and connected to Turnbull Bay. These hand-dug canals provided irrigation and drainage for rice, hemp, cotton, and indigo crops, and served as a mode of transportation within the colony. After nine years of harsh treatment under Turnbull, drought, and crop failures, the colony's population fell to about 600 people. In 1777, a group of Smyrnea colonists walked 70 miles to St. Augustine to petition British East Florida Governor Patrick Tonyn for release from their indentures. After hearing the case, Governor Tonyn gave them their freedom and granted them land north of St. Augustine.
Marker Number: F-1025
Date: 2018
County: Volusia
Marker Type: Roadside
Sponsored or placed by: The City of New Smyrna Beach, The Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission, Mayor James Hathaway, Vice Mayor Jason McQuirk, Commissioner Judy Reiker, Commissioner Jake Sachs, Commissioner Randy Hartman, and the Florida Department of State
Website: Not listed
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