Davenport Historical Society

The Davenport Historical Society, Inc. purpose is to preserve the city’s history and share this heritage by contributing to the records of the state of Florida and the United States of America in an effort that will embrace our past while working toward a brighter future for all of Davenport’s citizens.

Meets the 2nd Monday
of each Month at 6:30 pm in the commission chamber

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

No meetings
June, July, & August

Call 863-258-7800 to confirm meeting details.

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Docent Historic Walking Tours Available

President’s Message

Hello Members:

Oct. 1, 2020 starts the new year for the Davenport Historical Society.

Please renew your membership dues or if you wish to become a new member mail to

DHS, PO Box 774, Davenport, FL 33836

We are looking for artifacts. When donating artifacts please include who is contributing and a contact phone number. Please drop artifact (s) at Linda’s Hair Center in the Mart.
Call 863-514-0886.

Huckleberry Footbridge art by Bonnie Liss

Horse Creek Drain Pipe art by Bonnie Liss

Membership Invitation

Please join us. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at different historic locations., except June, July & August unless otherwise stated. For location email: rcastillo.dhs@yahoo.com

To confirm meetings, dial: 863-258-7800

1. Become a member of DHS
– $10.00 Individual Membership
– $18.00 Family Membership
– $35.00 Business Membership
– $75.00 Corporate Membership
– $100.00 Lifetime Individual Membership

2. Share artifacts or personal stories with DHS and Museum

3. Volunteer time to the DHS & Museum

A Short History of the City of Davenport, Florida

Before 1883, in the center of Florida, on a ridge of rolling hills, crystal clear lakes and beautiful evergreen forests, a new town was about to be born. Two years earlier, most of the interior of Florida was swampy and not suitable for building homes. Friendly Seminole Indians still lived in the area. Hamilton Disston, a wealthy businessman from the north, bought four million acres of land from the government and dug canals from Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee, and canals to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers. This created many acres of rich farmland. . Read More