Sanibel Island is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. The island has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, when the Calusa and Seminole tribes inhabited the area.
The island was first discovered by Europeans in the early 1500s. Famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is believed to have discovered Sanibel Island – which he named “Santa Isybella” after Queen Isabella — in 1513 while searching for his “Fountain of Youth.”. The island remained largely uninhabited for the next several centuries, although it was occasionally visited by pirates, sailors, and traders.
In the late 1800s, the island began to attract the attention of developers and entrepreneurs, who saw its potential as a vacation destination. The first hotel was built on the island in 1884, and soon thereafter, the island began to attract a growing number of tourists.
In the 1930s, the island was hit hard by the Great Depression, and many of the island's residents and visitors were forced to leave. However, the island's fortunes began to improve during World War II, when the government established a military base on the island.
After the war, the island's population and tourism industry began to recover, and the island has continued to grow and prosper to this day.
On September 28, 2022, Sanibel Island took a direct hit by Hurricane Ian. Most of the island was devastated. Residents and business owners are working hard to get it back to the beautiful island it was pre-Ian. Sanibel Island is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and second-home owners, and is known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife preserves, and laid-back atmosphere.
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