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Sebastian: Home to America's First Wildlife Refuge
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- First settlements in Sebastian date back to the 1880s with 40 pioneers.
- The city was known as Newhaven before being renamed Sebastian in 1884.
- Sebastian is home to America's first National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1903.
Sebastian, the largest municipality in Indian River County, has roots stretching back to the 1880s when pioneers first settled south of the St. Sebastian River. Initially named Newhaven, the community adopted the name Sebastian in 1884 and officially became a city in 1924.
The area's abundant fishing opportunities, fostered by the river, the Indian River Lagoon, and Pelican Island, attracted naturalists. This natural wealth contributed to Sebastian becoming the home of America's entire National Wildlife Refuge System.
This system was established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, with Paul Kroegel serving as the first wildlife warden. A statue of Kroegel stands in Sebastian Riverview Park, commemorating his dedication to conservation.
