History & Heritage of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades

Collier County, Florida's inhabited history spans thousands of years. The Calusa Indian civilization once flourished in the region. Before the turn of the century, pioneer settlers braved the eastern scrub lands to build cattle ranches, and others fished, farmed and hunted the wilds of the Ten Thousand Islands.

Beginning in the 1920s, wealthy Northern and Midwestern settlers came to the region to relax on our white-sand beaches and fish for tarpon. Throughout it all, the region has proven to be a rich and beautiful backdrop for a fascinating local history.