From any point of viewhistorical, commercial, or recreationalthe St. Johns River is the most important river in Florida. Its 310 miles have been witness to some of the most important people in our state's history: Jean Ribault, John and William Bartram, John McIntosh, Zephaniah Kingsley, Harriet Beecher Stowe; as well as many important groups: Timucuan and Seminole Indians, runaway slaves, British and Spanish settlers, missionaries, and many thousands of more modern Floridians and visitors who have boated, fished, developed, painted, photographed, and described the river. This guide describes the history, major towns/cities along the way, wildlife, personages associated with the river. You'll go by Sanford and Georgetown, Palatka and Orange Park. And at the mouth of the river, you'll encounter the metropolis of Jacksonville and the Naval Station in Mayport.