I'm starting a several part series on the history of the communities here on the Space Coast. The first community I'll be featuring is Melbourne Beach and South Beaches just south of Melbourne Beach to the Sebastian Inlet!

Melbourne Beach is an adorable, small town located in the most southern part of Brevard County, Florida. The area was first inhabited by the Ais Native American tribe, who were unfortunately wiped out by European diseases and warfare.

In the 18th century, Spanish explorers claimed the land, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that the first American settlers arrived. In 1888, the town was officially incorporated, and it quickly became a popular vacation spot for wealthy Northerners, who were drawn to its beautiful beaches and warm weather.

During World War II, the town experienced a surge in population as it became a training ground for the U.S. Navy (this is a fun fact for this Navy wife). The town's warm, sunny weather and expansive coastline made it an ideal location for training our wonderful sailors and pilots. In the early 1940s, the U.S. Navy established several training facilities in and around Melbourne Beach. These included the Naval Air Station Melbourne, which was home to a variety of aircraft and their crews, and the nearby Camp Patrick Henry, which housed thousands of sailors in training. The Navy's goal was to prepare these young men for the rigors of war and to ensure they were ready to face the enemy when called upon. Many of the sailors who trained in Melbourne Beach went on to serve with distinction in the Pacific Theater, playing a crucial role in the U.S. victory over Japan. Today, the town's naval history is commemorated with monuments, memorials, and local events, and it remains a cherished part of Melbourne Beach's heritage.

After the war, the town continued to grow, attracting new residents and businesses, including the burgeoning aerospace industry. The oldest house in Melbourne Beach is the Rossetter House, now a museum, which was built in 1908. The house, located at 1320 Highland Avenue, was designed for local businessman John Jacobson. This beautiful home is now open to the public as a historic site, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of Melbourne Beach's early residents. The museum also hosts events and educational programs, preserving the town's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Moving a little further south to the tip of Brevard County, The South Beaches region, also has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years. In addition to Melbourne Beach, the area was first inhabited by the Ais Indians, who lived off the bountiful natural resources provided by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, seeking gold and other treasures. In the 18th century, the Spanish established missions and settlements along the coast, including St. Lucie Inlet, which is located just north of the Sebastian Inlet. During the American Revolution, the area was the site of a skirmish between British and American forces, known as the Battle of the Loxahatchee. In the 19th century, the region was largely undeveloped, with a few small settlements and fishing communities scattered along the coast. In the 20th century, the South Beaches region began to attract tourists and developers, who were drawn to the area's beautiful beaches and warm climate. The construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in the early 1900s made the region more accessible, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a popular destination for vacationers and retirees.

Today, Melbourne Beach and the South Beaches regions are charming coastal communities known for their pristine beaches, excellent fishing, and laid-back vibe. They remain popular destinations for tourists and a wonderful place to call home for their residents. They are also home to several important natural features, including the Sebastian Inlet State Park and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which protects the nesting grounds of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

There are currently 158 properties on the market in this quiet beachside area. If you'd like more info on these areas please fill out the form on my site and I'd be glad to email you details to help you decide if Melbourne Beach or South Beaches are a good fit for you and your family.