The aerial photograph captures a bustling Palm Coast Parkway, a vibrant lifeline of the city of Palm Coast, alongside the serene historic Old King's Road, enveloped by the verdant Florida landscape and clear blue skies. The image is a confluence of history and modernity, symbolizing the rich past and dynamic present of Palm Coast, a city that offers residents and visitors alike a chance to experience Florida's natural beauty and historical depth.
Photographer // Drone Pilot: Aleksey Volchek (FAA Licensed)
With its origins as a Native American trail, Old King's Road in Florida is a historic route that traces back to British colonial times. Constructed chiefly from 1765 to 1773, this thoroughfare spanned approximately 150 miles from Colerain, Georgia to New Smyrna, Florida. Its development was spearheaded by James Grant, the first governor of British East Florida, who recognized the need for a reliable road system to facilitate the influx of settlers and the transportation of goods. The route, which took shape under the direction and financial sponsorship of Governor Grant and other prominent figures, played a pivotal role during the American Revolution as a strategic passageway for American troops. Over time, the King's Road fell into disrepair, only to be revitalized by the United States Army in the early 19th century, ensuring its continued significance as an artery of American history​ (Wikipedia)​.
Palm Coast, juxtaposed against this historic route, is a testament to the growth and development of modern Florida. Conceived by the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT) in the late 1960s and spearheaded by Dr. Norman Young of Levitt and Son, Palm Coast was envisioned as a vast, environmentally conscious community. From the grand opening in 1970, the area flourished, offering an observation tower for panoramic views and fostering a community around golf courses, canals, and early residential construction. ITT's involvement provided crucial infrastructure and services, including the I-95 interchange and Hammock Dunes bridge, at minimal cost to local taxpayers. As ITT stepped back, Palm Coast continued to evolve, incorporating contentious debates and establishing its first City Council, setting the stage for the vibrant city it is today​ (Palm Coast Historical Society)​.
