The History of Loxahatchee
Located just north of Wellington and about 17 miles west of West Palm Beach, this unincorporated community is a haven for those seeking spacious living and a slower pace, all while remaining close to South Florida’s urban centers. With its sprawling lots, equestrian trails, and abundant greenery, Loxahatchee stands out as a desirable place to live for nature lovers, families, and anyone craving a taste of “Florida’s Last Frontier.”
The origins of Loxahatchee trace back to the early 20th century when the Southern States Land and Timber Company purchased two million acres of land in 1902, including the area that would become Loxahatchee. The community’s name comes from the Loxahatchee River, derived from the Seminole words “lowchow” (turtle) and “hatchee” (river), meaning “river of turtles.” Settlement began in earnest after the completion of the West Palm Beach Canal in 1917, which connected Lake Okeechobee to West Palm Beach.
George Frederick Bensel, a sales manager for the company, envisioned a farming community along the canal. Together with engineer Torvald Garfield Thorgesen, he mapped out the area, and by the 1920s, the Palm Beach Loxahatchee Company had established Loxahatchee Farms, complete with canals and roads. In 2006, a portion of Loxahatchee incorporated as Loxahatchee Groves, Palm Beach County’s 38th municipality, driven by residents’ desire to preserve their rural lifestyle amid encroaching development.
Loxahatchee residents enjoy hammock-style living, swinging in the shade on their own land, surrounded by nature, chickens in the backyard, and fresh eggs on the breakfast table. It’s a place where families grow gardens, build chicken coops, ride ATVs, and enjoy wide-open skies with those they love most.
Loxahatchee is popular with those seeking acreage properties, no HOA restrictions, and a blend of country charm and nearby modern conveniences. Loxahatchee truly represents the “Lox Life.”
