By Susan H. Green
History of Marco Island in Florida
Florida's Marco Island was originally named La Isla de San Marco by the Spanish in honor of Saint Mark. It later became San Marco Island and then just Marco Island.
History
Marco Island's earliest inhabitants are thought to be the Calusa, perhaps as early as 2000 B.C. Spanish explorers are credited with discovering the island in the early 1500s, but European settlers did not follow until the late 1800s.
Location
Marco Island is located on the southwestern coast of Florida, 18 miles south of Naples. Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island once had two artesian springs on the island's south shore. Spanish explorers would stop at the island for water and supplies prior to returning to Spain.
Development
Marco Island's modern-day history began in the mid-1960s, when the island's 24 square miles were purchased by the Deltona Corporation from the heirs of one of the island's original families, the Colliers. In 1982, however, the Supreme Court ruled that some of the Marco Islands wetlands, already committed to construction and future homeowners, must be preserved and excluded from Deltona's development.
Archeological Importance
In 1896, a large and successful archeological dig was led by Frank Hamilton Cushing, which yielded over 2,000 artifacts from the original Calusa inhabitants. The Calusa were unknown prior to the dig. Artifacts are now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum.
Famous Ties
The Calusa, perhaps descendants of the Mayans, are said to have been fierce fighters and are possibly responsible for the wounds that killed explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Morguefile.com
