By Susan H. Green
History of Sanibel Island, Florida
Located an hour southwest of Fort Myers on Florida's Gulf coast, Sanibel Island is reached by the Sanibel Causeway. Its
beaches are known for vast supplies of seashells.
Geography
Over 6,000 years ago, the two barrier islands, Captiva and Sanibel, were joined. The Wulfert Channel separates them today. The islands consist of 18 square miles of land area.
History
Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Sanibel Island in 1513 and named it "Santa Isybella" after Queen Isabella. The Spanish were not the first inhabitants, however. The Calusa had lived in the area for over 2,000 years prior to Ponce de Leon's arrival.
Infamous Ties
Legend has it that pirates frequented the area around Sanibel Island, earning it the name "Buccaneer Coast." Pirate Jose de Gaspar is thought to have buried his treasure on the Island in the early 1800's.
Features
Only after the Civil War did Sanibel Island substantively add residents. Like many Florida cities, Sanibel's early popularity quickly grew with northerners, who enjoyed its warm air and water temperatures and the constant supply of seashells.
Famous Ties
Famous residents and visitors include President Theodore Roosevelt, pilot Charles Lindbergh, poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, and inventors Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
Resources
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
