Explore New Smyrna Beach’s British Colonial Beginning
Andrew Turnbull arrived in 1768 with over 1200 indentured European people from the Spanish island of Menorca, Greece, and Italy to create a thriving agricultural enterprise. Lofty plans and expectations of bountiful harvests meet the reality of unpredictable Florida weather, mismanagement, and cruel treatment.
Smyrnea’ - The largest British Settlement in North America 1768-1777
Interactive Turnbull Settlement Booklet
Use the section below to interact with our Turnbull Settlement Booklet, you can view in full screen and even single page mode (which will make it easier to read on mobile devices).
The Turnbull Settlement 1767-1768
W/Jim Engelbrecht. After visiting East Florida Turnbull spends a year gathering settlers in Europe.
Dr. Andrew Turnbull Prepares the New Smyrna Settlement
W/Author Lea Craig of The Minorcan Experience of St. Augustine.
Turnbull's Golden Dreams w/ Jim Engelbrecht
From recruitment to rebellion, Jim Englebrecht gives a full account of how Andrew Turnbull’s golden dream of building wealth in the British colonies came to a tragic end back in 1777.
Hi-Lights, The Turnbull Canal System
This video short gives a detailed overview of the canal system developed by the Turnbull Settlers in the late 1700s
The Minorcan Community After Turnbull
W/Author, and historian Sandie Stratton. This program explores the people who became known as Minorcans, after they escaped The Turnbull Settlement and made new homes in St. Augustine.
The Minorcans of Florida
W/Author, and Historian Sandie Stratton. This lively and informal discussion about the Minorcan community took place following Sandie’s program about the Minorcans of Florida.
Hi-Lights, The Odyssey Greek Memoria
This video short gives a detailed overview of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association’s (AHEPA) efforts to commemorate New Smyrna Beach as the birthplace of Greek American Culture.
Becoming American, The Minorcans after Turnbull
Minorcan Voices, Irene Beckham
Irene shared her Minorcan heritage with our membership and the local community each year as the driving force behind the Southeast Volusia Historical Society’s Chicken Pilau Fundraiser.
Minorcan Voices, Jo Anne Sikes
New Smyrna resident Jo Anne Sikes recalls her childhood growing up in a Minorcan family. We also hear about the challenges Minorcan immigrants faced in St. Augustine after years of deprivation at the Turnbull settlement. Jo Anne was an early member of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society and historian for the Edgewater community contributing work to the exploration and documentation of the Turnbull Canal System with archaeologist Dorothy “Dot” Moore, and Co-Authoring the book “Images of America, Edgewater Florida” with Sandra Wallus-Sammons
Minorcan Voices, with Mary Drew
Mary Drew, a descendant of the Turnbull Settlement, shares humorous family stories and talks about growing up as a Minorcan and not knowing that there were others who shared the same heritage in her community.
Minorcan Voices, with May Hayman
May Hayman, or Florida Jasper May Hayman as she was originally named, shares stories of her family and their research to learn more about their Minorcan heritage. She also shares photos of family portraits featuring family ancestors, including one that is rumored to be haunted.
Minorcan Voices, with Rick Newell
Rick Newell talks about discovering his personal connection to the Turnbull settlement while studying family genealogy. Rick also explains the history of the Minorcan food staple known as Pilau, pronounced “Pirlou”.
