Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is a beautiful barrier island whose history dates back to the 1600s. The residents on this Island have done a great job of preserving the history, which has seen this place grow and attract thousands of tourists each year.
Initially, Anna Maria Island was inhabited by indigenous people, and in the 16th century, the Island witnessed a lot of European exploration. Later on, the Spanish explorers would come here, and the pioneers of the Island settled here in the 1800s, creating a lively fishing community. The Island is loved and features cute villages and sandy white beaches.
Now, stick around to learn more about the beautiful history of Anna Maria Island.
Named By The Spanish Explorers
Anna Maria Island is seven miles long and is connected to Bradenton on the mainland by two drawbridges. A Spanish explorer first named it Ana Maria Car in honor of his sister-in-law, Anna, and his wife, Maria.
The Timucan Indians first settled here in the early 1000 A.D. They carried out various activities, including farming and fishing, and were warriors. Later on, the Spanish Explorers such as Hernando de Soto would discover the Island.
Cuban fishermen would also visit the Island. However, they would only settle here temporarily. The first person to stay here permanently was George Emerson Bean.
The ongoing commitment to infrastructure and community amenities laid the groundwork for a thriving destination.
Short Story of George Emerson Bean
As mentioned above, George Emerson Bean was the first to set up a homestead on Anna Maria Island. He settled on the Island’s northern tip, where he would see the scenic beach area. Bean laid the foundation for initial settlement around the area. This would later become the City of Anna Maria.
The early homesteaders of Anna Maria Island planted vegetables, raised chickens and fruits, and fed on plenty of fish from the beach.
In 1898, Bean died, and land ownership was transferred to his son George Wilhelm Bean, who partnered with Charles Roser to develop the Island further. These two would see the Island grow and the legacy of George Emerson Bean fulfilled.
The Development of Anna Maria Island
To kickstart the developments of Anna Maria Island, Roser and Bean partnered to create a company that helped grow the streets. They also laid the foundations on which the area would be developed.
Roser was selling the Fig Newton cookie recipe to the National Biscuit Company ( Nabisco) for millions of dollars. The funds he made were used to build the Island’s first streets, vacation cottages, sidewalks, water systems, and more.
Sam Cobb ran the first post office from home in 1902. Then, Roser’s father built the first church on the Island in 1913 in memory of his late wife. In 1913, they made the first schoolhouse on Magnolia Avenue.
The developments did not stop here because the Anna Maria Beach Company developed the famous 678-foot pier that is strong and standing to date.
The Growth of Anna Maria Island Continues
Amidst the early developments, the growth of Anna Maria Island has continued. The ongoing commitment to infrastructure and community amenities laid the groundwork for a thriving destination.
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