Palatka, city, seat (1849) of Putnam county, northeastern Florida, U.S., on the broad St. Johns River, about 50 miles (80 km) south of Jacksonville. Beginning in the 17th century the area was used for cattle ranching, and the city site was a crossing point of the river. James Marver established a trading post (c. 1821) on the site of a Seminole village. The city’s name came from Pilatka, a Seminole term meaning “crossing over,” or “cows’ crossing.” Palatka was the southernmost point on the river that oceangoing ships could reach and soon became a major transportation centre. During the Seminole Wars, Palatka was burned by Seminoles (1835), and Fort Shannon was built there (early 1840s). The settlement came under fire from gunboats in 1864 during the American Civil War and was occupied by Union troops. After the war it developed as a river port and winter resort with rail connections and had thriving tourism, lumber, and citrus industries. By the end of the 19th century, shipping, transportation, and citrus were no longer important.
Tourism and manufacturing (particularly wood products, including pulp, paper, furniture, and plywood) are the basis of the economy. St. Johns River Community College opened there in 1958. Ravine State Gardens is known for its azaleas and camellias. The annual Azalea Festival is held in March, and the Blue Crab Festival is in May. Inc. 1853. Pop. (2000) 10,033; (2010) 10,558.