OUR HISTORY

Dunedin reflects the rich American and Scottish heritage of its founding fathers. This charming village like town has the distinction of being the oldest town south of Cedar Key. Early in its history, thanks to a dock built to accommodate schooners and sloops and the ingenuity of pioneers from as near as Georgia and as far as Scotland, Dunedin became one of Florida's chief seaport and trading centers. At one time Dunedin had the largest fleet of sailing vessels in Florida. Early settlers were primarily cotton and citrus growers, and it is hard to envision that most of what is now downtown was once a big cotton field.

The first land deed was recorded in 1852 by Richard L. Garrison. only seven years after Florida became a state. Although it was George L. Jones who put up a sign over his General Store in 1870 that read "Jonesboro." a petition in 1882 by two Scottish merchants. J.O. Douglas and James Somerville, officially named the Post Office, then the town itself. Dunedin. The town became incorporated in 1899, and a city in 1925.

Dunedin is proud of its "firsts" which are chronicled in Dunedin Through the Years by William L. Davidson. The amphibious tractor, the Alligator, assembled in Dunedin and used in World War II, played a decisive role in the Pacific phase of the war. Frozen orange juice concentrate, and the "Pram" sailboat racer both originated here. Dunedin was the first home of the prestigious PGA (Professional Golfers Association). The first radio signals from Pinellas County were sent from Dunedin. The oldest continuous garden club on Florida's west coast is the Dunedin Garden Club. A master computer at A.C. Nielsen Company, located in Dunedin since 1972, and one of the town's largest employers, is responsible for the Nielsen ratings. It can be said that Dunedin determines what television programs the whole country watches!

The historic Atlantic Coast Line Depot on Main Street is home to the Dunedin Historical Society and Museum plus the Orange Belt Quilt Club. The Society has designed a walking tour of historic sites and works hard to collect area artifacts and preserve buildings that are pertinent to Dunedin's past. Through their efforts, the Douglas home and Andrews Memorial Chapel have been put on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Dunedin's quality of life is linked to its appreciation of its diverse and colorful past, and to the country that helped shape its future, Scotland. In commemoration of its ancestral ties Dunedin has chosen Stirling, Scotland, as its sister city.