Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center

People have been present on Gasparilla Island for around 2,000 years. Eventually, a Native American people called the Calusa hunted and gathered on the island and most probably lived here seasonally. After Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, the Calusa people eventually died off in the next 200 years as a result of disease and slavery. In the 1600s Spanish fisherman recognized the abundant amount of fish that lived in the surrounding waters. A permanent fishing ranch—the first pioneer settlement on the island—was established in 1870 on the island's north end. Fishing continues to draw people to the area.

Boca Grande's origins date to the late 19th century after phosphate was discovered along the Peace River in the early 1880s. For many years, phosphate was shipped down the river to Boca Grande's port, which was located on the south end of the island. By the late 1890s, it was clear that transporting phosphate on barges was inadequate. As a result, a rail line was built by the American Agricultural Chemical Company to the port. The company also envisioned building a resort hotel and town and proceeded with this project between 1905 and 1911. The company's hotel, the Gasparilla Inn & Club, still stands today.

Boca Grande thrived until 1958 when a bridge was built to the mainland, allowing residents to drive off the island. The population and economy declined as a consequence. Phosphate shipping ended in 1979. However, the situation began to improve in the 1980s as residents started efforts to restore old buildings and revive the community. This work attracted tourists once again and Boca Grande is a prosperous, though very different, community again. The Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center was founded in 1995 to preserve the island's rich history and to honor the state's 150th anniversary.

"About BGHS." Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center. Accessed March 11, 2021. https://bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com/about/mission-statement.

"Historical Overview of Boca Grande." Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center. Accessed March 11, 2021. https://bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com/history-center/historical-overview/the-first-settlers.