Clan Prints in the Sands

THREE NEW SMYRNA MAPS DATED 1767-70 DISCOVERED IN DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

By GARY LUTHER
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

New Smyrna is seldom mentioned in history textbooks, yet the largest attempt at British colonization in the New World began here in 1768. It ended in 1777 due to financial reversals, political intrigues and cancellation of indentures.

Without exaggeration, this is an exceptional day for local history. New Smyrna has never seen an urban plan for Dr. Andrew Turnbull’s colony, then called the “Smyméa Settlement.” This multi national colony was comprised of 1,255 Greeks, Italians and Minorcans.

Three maps of the “Town of Smyméa” were found in a collection of Turnbull’s partner, Sir William Duncan, who was physician to King George III. These maps are copies :from the Catalogue of the Duncan Archive in the Dundee City Archives in Scotland.

How did this occur? Colin Macintosh, a volunteer with the Dundee City Archives, called his cousin in New York regarding these newly found Smyméa Settlement maps. She called the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, who referred her to Dave Borland, President of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, Inc.

After nearly a year of e-mail correspondence, Borland received copies of the three maps now displayed at the New Smyrna Museum of History.

DO THE STONES AT OLD FORT PARK FINALLY SPEAK? This aerial view of the mysterious ruins at North Riverside Drive (right) and Julia Street (below) was taken from a helicopter In 1974. None of the three maps from the Duncan Archive show this foundation. Instead, Maps B and C indicate a large GARDEN covering over one acre In this vicinity about 1770. (Photo by Gary Luther)

MAP B: THE GABORDY (OR SOUTH) CANAL Is today the city limits for New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater. Three duplex houses and a bridge are shown here. “D” indicates one of the 13 indigo works.

MAP C: INDIGO PROCESSING is shown in detail from left to right probably a drying shed (with a farmer) between steeper vats (on legs), and water pump with tank(?).

MAP B: THE 0LD STONE WHARF on South Riverside Drive is just north of Clinch Street on the Indian River North. “A” is the Town or Smyméa (New Smyrna); “F” is the Old Stone Wharf. Here are the “great shacks erected for living quarters,” described by Governor James Grant. “The houses marked with Black Lines are Stores and dwelling Houses ready built,” explains the map’s legend.