History and Highlights of Cocoa

Early in Florida’s history, a group of fishermen founded the city of Cocoa and the authentic, historical account claims the first families arrived there in 1860. The post office on Magnolia Point, which was the first commercial building of Cocoa, was constructed in 1881 or 1882 - sources are still unsure. The first plats of the city, made in 1882, went under the title of “Indian River City” and was settled on land belonging to Captain R. A. Hardee. Indian River City, according to the U.S. Postal authorities, was too long a name to be used as a postmark. Thus, the name was scrapped.

The Cocoa Tribune published many items in 1923, supplied by an abundance of readers, regarding the town’s need for a name. In 1884, Mrs. Ruby Myers insisted Captain R.C. May choose the name, which the captain decided would be Cocoa, at a town meeting. The attendees of the meeting banded together to focus on a feature particular to the city or local product they could market; e.g., Cedar Key and citrus plants. At Captain May’s suggestion, the group decided on using the Cocoa plant for the city’s association. The name Cocoa, then, was officially adopted.

An alternate version of the story claims that while the group of citizens sought a name, an elderly woman was inspired by a box of Baker’s Cocoa. Her suggestion was adopted. Yet another version suggests that an old woman would give hot cocoa to traveling sailors along the Indian Riverbank. The sailors would call out “cocoa!” until the woman heard and brought out the beverages. Whatever its origins may be, Cocoa was officially an infant settlement by 1884.

Cocoa, which was incorporated in 1895, has continued its development despite extreme setbacks during its early history. Fire set the city’s business district aflame, destroying it completely in 1890. In the beginnings of the 1890s, however, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and the Indian River Railway went under significant development. The new railway proved to be a catalyst for the population of the town and its economic growth. Come 1895, Cocoa was a full-fledged and maturing community. A second economic setback was the “Great Freeze,” occurring in the winter of 1894 to 1895, which had destroyed the city’s citrus crop. Many people in the citrus industry had to leave Cocoa in search of new occupations. By 1903, the population of Cocoa dwindled at a low of 382.

Things picked up during the second decade of the twentieth century and people began to return. The population accelerated with the city’s growth in economic development. By 1925, Cocoa had an estimated population of 1,800 that would survive through the Great Depression, starting in 1929, despite the economic plummet.

Attractions

Historic Cocoa Village

Walk along the historic, tree-lined streets and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a nostalgic riverside community. Dine at one of the many gourmet restaurants, such as the famous Black Tulip, before you catch a show at the historic Cocoa Village Playhouse or visit the Florida Historical Society.

Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory

Located on the Cocoa Campus of Eastern Florida State College, the Planetarium & Observatory is a beacon in the community and is recognized as one of the finest planetariums in the country with an innovative history of ground-breaking technological advances.

Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science

Take a trip through some of Florida's archaeological history and more at the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science. The museum features over 3,000 artifacts, including the remains of the "Windover Woman", the oldest human remains found in North America.