Marco Island Florida – New Florida City With a Long History

Florida is the spot for a perfect vacation for so many reasons. Northerners can load up the van and with drivers taking shifts, they can cross the state line within twenty-four hours. Or you can hop on a plane and be there in less time than it took you to drive to the airport.

But for something more relaxed and more off the beaten track you should take a trip to Southwest Florida. Here you will experience the real Florida, with its talcum powder beaches, sparkling water, and endless blue sky. You can watch the hawks circling overhead as you soak up the sun by the pool. Tomorrow, take a boat ride. Maybe you’ll see an alligator or two. The day after that, do a little fishing or check out the gift shops down on the beach.

Florida is blessed with many islands, and most of them are uninhabited. However, Marco Island, just a short drive from the city of Naples has a permanent population of 15,000, which balloons to 35,000 in the tourist season.

The history of Marco Island is quite fascinating. It was once the domain of the ferocious Calusa Indians. It is believed the Calusas made their way to Florida sometime around 2000 BC. By 1492, when Christopher Columbus began to explore the new world, these hardy souls were thriving on the plentiful resources of the gulf coast. The rich harvest from sea and land provided the Calusa with everything they needed for a reasonably comfortable life.

Archeological digs on Marco Island revealed that the Calusa were very advanced woodworkers. They used the abundant trees growing on the island for boards and beams for their houses and docks. From the largest trees, they hollowed out canoes.

These Calusa warriors also had an artistic side. Hand carved masks, gods, and animals have all been uncovered. The Smithsonian Institute now houses a wooden, six-inch panther-like carving that has been dubbed the Key Marco Cat.

It was not until after the Civil War in the late 1860s that the island began to be populated by non-aboriginal people hardy enough to manage in the wild mosquito infested mangrove swamp. They hunted, fished and grew crops, sending any extra crops down to Key West. Eventually, around 1924, the island had a number of well maintained plantations.

In 1927 the island was incorporated as Collier City, then later it was unincorporated when the population fell. Years went by. Many years later, on August 28, 1997, an election was held and the city of Marco Island was born.

Visitors to this part of Southwest Florida are always impressed with the cultural diversity of the island which adds a distinctive flavor to the various street festivals and eateries. One unique way to experience local color is to visit one of the many outdoor chickee bars.

Professional artists and musicians flock to Marco Island, drawn by this rich mix of cultures. Tourist season buzzes with outdoor art fairs, band concerts, and troupes of street dancers. Famous residents have included Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, Gene Sarazen, and James Buster Douglas.

Visitors can enjoy, and be a part of vibrant community theater performances. With more than one hundred art galleries, an art lover can simply get lost for hours. If you are feeling especially creative, visit a working art studio and sign up for a few lessons.