From the Calusa to Pirates - Florida's Southwest Coastline is Full of Intriguing Pasts
Approximately 6,000 years ago the islands of Sanibel and Captiva were formed by prevailing currents in the Gulf of Mexico. Historians believe that centuries of storm activities shaped the sediment that rose from the see into only one island which eventually became two. The first known residents and settlers known to man in this area were the native Calusa Indians. This dates back to 2,500 years ago. These people were very strategic and efficient in working with what nature had presented them with. For example, they skillfully transformed the waterways and and lands around the islands into resourceful uses of food, tools, and shelter. Their huts were perched high atop mounds built to provide protection and housing from the storms. This was only the beginning to Sanibel's history.
The famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, is believed to have discovered Sanibel Island. This all happened around 1513 when he was out and about searching for his legendary "Fountain of Youth". He decide to name Sanibel after Queen Isabella and called it "Santa Isybella". For many years he and his Spanish team of battling men fought the Calusa who were very stubborn and rightfully so. After all, they were there first. He eventually suffered a fatal arrow attack at their hands and it lead to his eventual death in Cuba. Due to the Spanish's presence it also indirectly introduced the Europeans to the area. This eventually lead to the Calusa population become extinct for several reasons written in history books. As the islands supposedly stood quiet and still for some time, there was something else in the horizon.
Welcome to Pirates of the Carribean. Legend says that sooner or later pirates were introduced to the area. It is still rumored to this day that the notorious Bucaneer Pirate Jose Gaspar has buried treasure linked to his name in and around the Sanibel Island location. Eventually, the US Navy searched for him and was able to seek him and his crew. Afterwards, the seminoles found ways to keep fishermen at bay and away from claiming the land. This continued discouragement continued for several decades. Florida was finally admitted into the Union in 1845 as the 27th State. Only after the Civil War was the increased military in the area able to secure Sanibel and Captiva Islands. In 1870, the US government ruled Sanibel Island a lighthouse reservation. First lit on on August 20, 1884, it remains lighted to this day.
2021-2022 and both islands are going strong. Real Estate in the area is lunging to new heights day in and day out. The pristine aspect and ideals behind preserving this special place in all of our hearts continues to bring new challenges as well. Through strengths however, massive overdevelopment and commercialism has been kept off of the Islands. No judgement to those seeking that, but this is not the place for it. This world is full of great real estate solutions requiring mass housing, gated communities, and high rises galore. Sanibel and Captiva are just not the place for it. These two islands are one of the most exotic and beautiful beach life locations in the world. For these reasons the islands remain extremely desirable to those seeking solace and serenity.
We hope they continue to stay that way...
All Active and Available Sanibel Island Homes for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
All Active and Available Sanibel Island Condos for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
All Active and Available Sanibel Island Land for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
The Most Expensive Listing on Sanibel Island for Sale $7,995,000
All Active and Available Captiva Island Homes for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
All Active and Available Captiva Island Condos for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
All Active and Available Captiva Island Land for Sale (Sorted by Newest Listings)
The Most Expensive Listing on Captiva Island for Sale $10,995,000
Contributed by Paul Adams, Realtor - Downing Frye Realty, Inc.
