In 1763, the English established a trading post near present-day Aster. However, this settlement was short-lived, as it was destroyed by the Spanish in 1566. Subsequent attempts at colonization faced challenges, including conflicts with Indigenous groups and environmental hardships. Despite these obstacles, the area remained a vital part of Florida's colonial history
The Astor Era: Birth of a Community
The modern history of Aster began in 1874 when William Backhouse Astor Jr., a wealthy New York businessman and heir to the Astor fortune, purchased approximately 12,000 acres of land along the St. Johns River. He envisioned a thriving community and named it "Manhattan," after his family's New York roots. Astor's investment included the construction of a steamboat landing, hotel, sawmill, and the establishment of the St. Johns and Lake Eustis Railway, connecting the area to other parts of Florida.
Astor's development efforts attracted settlers and tourists, contributing to the area's growth. The community flourished during the steamboat era, with river traffic serving as a primary mode of transportation. However, after Astor's death in 1892, the town's fortunes waned. His heirs lacked interest in the Florida property, leading to its sale. The decline of steamboat travel further diminished the community's prominence. shutdown123