Historical records indicate Spanish explorers discovered this area as early as 1557. Researchers have excavated many valuable relics showing that the Tensaw, Alabama, Choctaw, Creeks, and Seminole Indians all lived in this area prior to 1557. The community of Daphne dates as far back as 1763 when it was commonly known as “The Village”. French troops and later British troops occupied the area.
Records indicate April 9, 1874 as the actual establishment of the town to be called Daphne, named by the first postmaster's wife. Daphne was a resort area prior to the War between the States. In the early 1900′s, several Italian families settled in Daphne and brought with them great expertise in agriculture and a tradition of foods and wine. Their family names remain an important part of Daphne’s heritage. The architecture of the new City Hall reflects a modern version of the Italian Renaissance style, evidence of Daphne's connection to the old world.
Incorporated on July 8, 1927, olde towne Daphne's motto was once "home to 1500 happy people and a few old grouches". Today, Daphne is Baldwin County's largest city annd home to approx 20,000 people...mostly happy.
Originally, Daphne was the Baldwin County seat of government. However, Daphne’s courthouse records were stolen one night by the rival community of Bay Minette, where the Baldwin County seat of government remains today.