1615 Harvest Cove Drive
Middleburg, FL 32068

The un-incorporated community of Middleburg lies in the vicinity of Black Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River, in Clay County, Florida. During the 1820's it was known as Clark's Ferry, after Asa Clark, who ran a ferry operation there. Middleburg owes its settlement and development to water transportation. Its first permanent settlers arrived during the Spanish Period in Florida history (1784-1821).

During the 1820's and 30's, Middleburg served as a port of entry to the Florida interior. Clark's Ferry, later known as Gary's Ferry allowed a settlement to develop and prosper. Settlers developed cotton and tobacco farms, raised crops and harvested timber. Middleburg did well until to Seminole Indians became a problem. In spite of a treaty signed at Moultrie, establishing a four million-acre reservation for the Seminoles, clashes broke out between Indians and settlers. In 1835 it became war.

The U.S. Government military installation, Fort Heilman, was a catalyst for future development. During the war, civilians were employed there. From 1836 to 1841 the Fort played a major role in the war effort, stimulating the building of roads and the clearing and development of land. After the war, Middleburg continued to be used as a transportation center. It was a junction point between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, with access through Black Creek. The town thrived. When Clay County was developed, Middleburg became county seat. A year later, in 1859, in an election to form a permanent county seat. Middleburg lost the honor to Green Cove Springs by just two votes, losing much of its prestige.

Middleburg opposed the building of a railroad and therefore when the Florida Railroad was constructed in 1853, it bypassed the town. That loss, and the Civil War, caused a cessation of development for Middleburg. It was three years after the Civil War, with the development of the steamboat that the town once again thrived. River trade and a growing agricultural and timber economy brought about a boom in population. Later, the great freeze effected Middleburg as it did the rest of Florida, and hopes for the town's development were dashed even further by the decline in the steamship industry. It was a reversal unlike any other community in the state.

Population spiraled downward in the early 1900's. With the development of Camp Blanding in World War II it began to grow. The camp was a principal training facility and the area became the fourth largest population area in the state. At the conclusion of the war, however, many families left.

During the last decade, development has intensified in Middleburg. Officials are earnestly dealing with "growth management problems" and a serious historic preservation group has emerged. The population can presently be called burgeoning, and the citizens are determined to protect and preserve their historic resources and their cultural heritage. It will be interesting to observe these exciting times.

Personal

Clay County, Florida was recently named the 47th fastest growing county in the United States.  We are proud to have such large businesses as Bell South, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HCA open, which provides our residents opportunities to work in the county. In addition to business opportunities, Clay County provides its residents a fun place to play!  Clay County contains many natural resources that support active recreation and tourism. The St. Johns River defines the county's eastern boundary and Black Creek flows through the northern half of the county. The county's waterways provide a unique location for water recreation and quality home sites. Clay County is also in close proximity to Jacksonville, Florida. 

In Clay County, the businesses and services that people need are close at hand.  Shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, schools, and much more are located conveniently throughout the county. 

Clay County is proud to announce that the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts is open on the St. Johns River Community College Orange Park Campus. The 84,000+ square feet, state-of-the-art complex is the largest and best equipped cultural venues in the State of Florida. The Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts offers professional theater, dance and music series, lecture presentations, festivals and visual art exhibits in its multi-use theater, art gallery, business and tourism center. 

Business

Economic development and growth in Clay County has never been stronger. Strong population growth, great schools, and a young work force make Clay County an excellent choice for relocating or expanding businesses. Some of the things Clay County has to offer are: 

• More than 4,000 businesses employ approximately 40,000 people. 

• Affordable land prices, low taxes, and competitive construction costs make Clay County an attractive draw for small business to heavy industry.  

• Clay County offers close proximity to major air, land, and sea transportation centers.   

• Low interstate transportation rates are a plus for industrial development.

• Six industrial park areas located in various parts of the county.