OUR Fascinating Past - Charlotte Harbor: The Early Years

Where U.S. History Began

Few Americans know that United States history began in the Charlotte Harbor area.

A thousand years before the Spaniards came, Calusa and Timucua Indians created sophisticated societies. Their mounds survive today as evidence of their technology.

Ponce DeLeon visited in 1513. He received a mortal wound while trying to establish the first mainland colony here in 1521.

The DeSoto Trail Commission appointed by Governor Bob Graham concluded in 1988 that, "Some scholars believe Hernando DeSoto landed near here (Live Oak Point) in 1539."

Menendez D'Aviles built a mission-fort here in 1566. Ensuing hostilities with the Calusa hastened their demise.

The harbor was home to Spanish castaways, Seminoles, runaway slaves, smugglers, and Cuban fisherman until the Americans came in 1818.

Since then, the area was settled by mariners, cow hunters, lumberjacks, turpentiners, citrus growers, fisherman, phosphate miners, pineapple farmers, land developers and railroad barons --- all doing their bit to tame America's first and last frontier.

Here are their fascinating stories in absorbing, accurate narratives and rare photos.