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Marco Island in Florida

It is incredible to realize that the Marco Island was previously sparsely populated and undeveloped. How did it happen that this boggy island covered with mosquitoes turned into the pearl of Florida?

Story

Marco Island was home to the Calus Indians, descendants of the Maya. The tribe has lived, fished and hunted in this region of southwestern Florida for hundreds of years.

Marco Island in Florida - photo from a height - American ButlerIn the 1500s The island was visited by Spanish explorers. The pioneer Juan Ponce de Leon called it the island of St. Mark. The war began between the Native Americans and the Spaniards. Legend has it that Ponce de Leon died from a poisoned arrow of an Indian when he tried to seize a tribe. And although they did not succeed in defeating the Indians, the diseases they had brought, they succeeded.

Marco Island has gained a surge of fame in the late 1800s, when during the excavations, Captain William Collier found ancient arrows and household items. Archaeologist Frank Cushing organized large-scale excavations at this site.

Later, Barron Collier (not a relative of William), a wealthy northerner who wanted to turn an island into a tourist paradise, bought a huge amount of land. Because of the Great Depression, Barron Collier did not make the venture.

In 1962, the three brothers Makell realized the island’s enormous potential. Successfully developing other projects in the sunny state, the brothers formed the corporation Deltona and decided to create a resort island where people could live, work and relax 365 days a year.

Unprecedented advertising campaigns prepared Marco Island for its “grand opening” in January 1965. 25 thousand people visited the island on the opening day, and the houses began to sell like hot cakes.

People continued to flock to the island throughout the 70s. The quaint beach town continued to develop into an exquisite island community, which now attracts people from all over the world with beautiful weather and beaches. Marco's charm stood the test of time.

What to look at

  • South Marco Island Beach is one of two public beaches on Marco Island. It is the quieter of two beaches and is therefore ideal for families who want to relax. The beach has paid parking, toilets and a paved walkway.
  • Briggs Nature Center - in the nature center there are a total of 3 miles of trails, passing along which you will get acquainted with the natural nursery for fish, shellfish, crustaceans and nesting birds.
  • Cape Romano - Cape in the south of the island. The main attraction is unusual dome-shaped buildings built as holiday homes in the 1980s. Over the years, the houses weathered several storms, including Hurricane Wilma, which washed away part of the coastline.

Tours

  • The Marco Island Historical Society is a historical society that represents a comprehensive look at art, culture and history surrounding one of my most interesting communities in the country. Below is a brief overview of the four permanent museum exhibits.
  • Paradise Found - a section dedicated to the history of people who lived on the island of Marco more than 6000 years. The exhibition inspires, attracts and trains visitors a beautiful history of the indigenous people of America. More than 200 pre-Columbian artifacts are on display, as well as works of art and mockups.
  • Pioneer Era is one of the newest permanent exhibits. Focuses on the history of the discoverers. The exhibition presents diaries written by members of the founding family, stories about the success and death of sea fishing and chronicles of natural disasters.
  • Modern Marco - visitors will learn about the history of the island since the 1960s. Starting with the idea of the Makell brothers about transforming the island and traveling through the Deltona sales office, this exhibition shows the artifacts of the time.
  • Windows and Doors - the exhibition is located in the open-air gallery and offers more than 20 original works of art, showing life on the island after several periods. A collection of portraits of historical personalities of the island. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and is closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. A souvenir shop offers paintings made by local artists, jewelry and handmade souvenirs. The store is open from 11 am to 4 pm throughout the year.
Visit the island of Marco with American Butler - book a room, pick up a guide and arrange excursions!
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  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
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Login | Registration
Registration via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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