In 1927, Frank B. Butler began purchasing properties on Anastasia Island and eventually expanded his land holdings from the Matanzas River to the Atlantic Ocean. He operated the Sea Breeze Kaseno and Butler's Inn, and developed a residential subdivision. In August 1947, he submitted a plat for Butler Beach's Beach Unit 1, which included the property where this park exists. In 1964, he hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights advocates at his inn. Beginning in 1960, the Florida State Parks managed Butler Beach, and since 1980 St. Johns Conty has assisted in managing this important part of local black history.