The Putnam County Historical Society was incorporated in June of 1966. As stated in its articles of incorporation "the general purposes and objects of this corporation shall be to aid in the discovery and preservation of historical objects and events; to obtain funds for the erection of historical monuments and museums; to promote the interest of all people in the history of our area, particularly Putnam County."

Our Society pursues these goals through several outlets, including: operating the Bronson-Mulholland House and the Putnam Historic Museum, hosting historical programs, and its involvement in historical preservation.

Please follow our FACEBOOK PAGE for the latest happenings, photos, information, and more.

“Battle of Horse Landing”

Mural at South 3rd Street and St. Johns Avenue, The Battle at Horse Landing mural commemorates a Civil War skirmish on May 23, 1864 between the Union gunboat Columbine and a squad of dismounted Confederate cavalry troops on the shore of the St. Johns River. The mural is painted by Mrs. Sutliff.

The May membership meeting of the Putnam County Historical Society will be held on Saturday May 18th 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Bronson-Mulholland House, 100 Madison Street, Palatka. Our speaker will be Bob Lee on the Battle of Horse Landing, how a small detachment of shore-based Confederate cavalry captured and destroyed a Union gunboat.

Bob H. Lee is a 30-year veteran of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He spent over three decades as a water patrol officer on the St. Johns River and as a land patrol lieutenant in Putnam, St. Johns, and Flagler counties. He is the author of two books, Backcountry Lawman and Bad Guys, Bullets, and Boat Chases. More recently, he has taken an interest in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. He is a member of the Fruitland Peninsula Historical Society and the Museum of Southern History (Jacksonville). Bob has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida.

We hope you can join us for this interesting and informative presentation. You are encouraged to bring along a friend. Seating is limited so early arrival is recommended. Light refreshments will immediately follow the program.