DeBary Swing Bridge 1890

DeBary, the River City, is on the northeast shore of Lake Monroe in East Central Florida. It is so named for one of its earliest residents, Samuel Frederick deBary.  

Highway 17-92 DeBary 1930

Volusia County's southwestern border town lies from the St. Johns River bank to booming Deltona. DeBary's near neighbor, Enterprise, was one of the first Central Florida settlements and readily accessible via the river. 

Today, DeBary boasts a beautiful lakeside state park, Gemini Springs, and has recreational access to the St. Johns River at Highbanks. DeBary, laden with fine  homes along manicured fairways, retains small-town stature with easy access to I-4 and U.S. Highway 17/92.

Frederick deBary
S.F. deBary bought three parcels of land from Oliver and Amanda Arnett January 4, 1871. The property abutted Lake Monroe and was not far from Enterprise and the Brock House. DeBary built his mansion on high land, overlooking Lake Monroe less than a mile from the water's edge. DeBary Hall is an impressive antebellum mansion designed for entertainment in the grand tradition. It contained the first swimming pool in Volusia County.

Born January 12, 1815, in Germany, S. Frederick deBary lived his life as a prominent wine importer, businessman and sportsman. He also became a shipping mogul owning the side-wheeler "George M. Bird" and steamers "Fred deBary," "Carrie" and "City of Sanford." All ships made regular runs  through the east coast on the St. Johns and Halifax rivers.

Beginning in 1871, deBary traveled from New York to spend his winters in DeBary Hall until his death in 1898. It remained the winter home of his family until his great-granddaughter died in an airplane crash in 1941.  

Today DeBary Hall is an historical site that welcomes visitors and special events.  

Visit DeBary Hall Historic Site's website by
clicking here.

DeBary Hall Historical Site is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.

Admission prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3 - 12, and free for children 2 and younger.

The site is available for weddings, festivals and other events. Call  386-668-3840 for more information or to book special group tours.

Comments or Questions?
Email the

VolusiaHistory.com is a partnership between the
Volusia County Historic Preservation Board
and the Volusia County Government