Hontoon Island State Park, nestled in the St. Johns River, has a rich history that dates back to the 1860s when William Hunton owned the land. Renamed to ‘Hontoon’ over time, this island witnessed various historical events.

The rich archaeological sites on Hontoon Island offer glimpses into the lives of Native Americans who inhabited this area for thousands of years along the river.

During the Spanish colonization in the 1500s, the region saw the establishment of missions, including possibly one on Hontoon Island.

Post the Second Seminole War, settlers established livelihoods along the river, engaging in fishing, hunting, and agriculture to sustain themselves.

The legacy of Hunton lives on through the homestead he built, adding to the intriguing history of Hontoon Island State Park.