Manatee County History

Rich Heritage

The county's first inhabitants were Native Americans who left their traces on the shores of the river in the form of middens and temple mounds.  For centuries, Native Americans roamed the untamed wilds of Manatee County, undisturbed until the arrival of Spanish Conquistadors.  Many historians believe that one of the first explorers, Hernando De Soto, entered the mouth of the Manatee River on May 25, 1539.

Upon acceptance of the Florida territories in mid 1800's, the United States government enticed pioneers with offers of Free land.  The first area settler, Josiah Gates, sailed up the river until he arrived at what is near 15^th St. E.  By 1855, enough settlers had followed Gates that it was necessary to establish a new county, hence, Manatee County was born.  A small frame courthouse that dates from 1860, which is now part of the Manatee Village Historical Park, governed the county.

In the early 1920's, Manatee experienced a tremendous period of growth with the Florida Land Boom.  Within the first five years of that decade, the population tripled, many new buildings were constructed and tourism increased dramatically, especially with the establishment of the "tin can tourist camp" at Braden Castle.

The Great Depression severely impacted the entire country, but agriculture continued to provide for many of the County's residents.  Prosperity returned in the 1940's, and by the end of the decade, Manatee County was well on its way to becoming the thriving community it is today.  The community still retains the charm and simplicity of the river settlement established by Josiah Gates in the 1840's.