5065 Harvey Grant Rd, Fleming Island, FL 32003

Highly disciplined, Margaret Seton Fleming had a working knowledge of trade, business and politics, as well as domestic subjects. In 1837, she moved to Hibernia Plantation with her new husband, Lewis Fleming, whose father George had received Fleming Island as a 1790 land grant from the king of Spain. In the years to come, she would twice witness the destruction of the plantation and twice bring it back from ashes. Her dream from the time she arrived at Hibernia as a 24-year-old bride was to have a "proper chapel" on the grounds. Construction on the church in the Carpenter Gothic style was begun in 1875 and completed in 1878. Sadly, Margaret died only months before its completion and its first service was her funeral. Today, Fleming Island has again been rebuilt and is one of the fastest growing areas in the county. The most significant change on Fleming Island has been the number of new businesses - nationally known department stores, restaurants and specialty shops - that have opened, particularly at the northwest and southwest corners of County Road 220 and U.S. 17. There are also many private schools and academies nearby, as well as several colleges, including St. Johns River Community College on whose campus the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts opened in 2004. The Clay County School District has long been a top drawing card, with a ranking in the top 14 percent in the nation and test scores above national averages. Amenities such as water parks, soccer fields, swimming pools, golf courses and tennis courts are family-oriented attractions that add to Fleming Island's appeal. The area has many organized activities for people of all ages. There is an active 55-plus group. A number of championship-quality golf courses, organized tennis and soccer and all types of programs for the family.