Thanks to the Florida State Archives Photographic Collection for these Historical Photos.

The modern history of Marco Island dates back to the mid 1500s, when Florida was being explored by the Spaniards. The explorers discovered a large island containing cool artisian springs located near what is now known as Caxambas Pass. The springs became a favorite place for sailors to replenish their fresh water supply for their return trip to Spain. It eventually became known as La Isla de San Marco (the island of Saint Mark), named for Saint Mark, the Christian evangelist and traditional author of the second gospel in the bible. As the years went by, the site became known as San Marco Island (Saint Mark's island) and finally, just Marco Island.

It is believed that at least 2,000 and perhaps as much as 6,000 years before Christ, the ancestors of the fierce, warlike Calusa Indians inhabited this remote island. Calusas were thought to be giants, approaching seven feet in height and sporting three-foot high ceremonial headgear thus contributing to their fierce appearance. Evidence of their existence was first discovered in 1895 when Captain Bill Collier, son of Marco's founder. W.T. Collier, was digging on his property known then as Key Marco. Today, this area is called Old Marco and was the site of one of the most successful archeological digs in North America.

A small wooden carving, now known as the Key Marco Cat, was discovered in 1896 by Dr. Frank Cushing on the property owned by Captain Bill Collier. That artifact is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

During the Civil war Marco Island and the other 10,000 islands provided hiding places for deserters and blockade runners who traded with Cuba and the other nearby islands.

In 1870, W.T. Collier brought his wife and nine children to Marco Island. In 1896, his son, William D. "Captain Bill" Collier opened a 20 room hotel that is known today as the Olde Marco Inn and is registered as an historical landmark. Captain Bill Collier operated a 50,000 tree coconut grove and later invented a clam digging machine and opened a clam canning factory in 1904.

Barron G. Collier (no relation to W.T. Collier) purchased most of Marco Island in 1922. With the onset of rail service (the Atlantic Coast Line) to Marco Island in 1927 plans to develop Marco Island were in process. However, the depression put a damper on development and it wasn't until 1964, when Deltona Corporation, led by the Mackle brothers, put modern Marco on the map.

Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, measuring 24 square miles. It is approximately 6 miles long and 4 miles wide. Marco Island is also the site of the highest elevation in southwest Florida, Indian Hill, at 51 feet above sea level, the result of piling or mounding of countless shells by the Calusa Indians.

Marco Island was incorporated as a city on August 29, 1997. The City of Marco Island is home to 35,000 residents, of which approximately 15,000 reside here throughout the year. During the winter, seasonal residents and visitors enjoy the tropical climate and get away from the harsh realities of winter elsewhere. Marco Island is a favorite tourist destination all year. Swimming, boating, fishing, shelling, tennis and golf, along with fine shopping and dining, provide hours of enjoyment while relaxing in the balmy weather for which Southwest Florida is famous.

Marco Island is approximately 6 miles by 4 miles, but within its shores it boasts bountiful amenities for residents and visitors alike.

6 Parks Mackle Park (soccer, basketball, lake, jogging trail, kiddie's park, pool room, meeeting rooms) M Jane Hittler Park (quiet park benches overlooking Smokehouse Bay) Winterberry Park (baseball) Caxambas Park (boat launching facilites) Leigh Plummer Park (quiet park setting) Collier County Library Park (read and rest in peace)

6.3 Miles of beachfront Residents Beach - for member/residents of Marco Island Tigertail Beach - Collier County public beach - limited parking South Beach access - parking for residents and visitors on Swallow Ave

2 Fishing Piers (under the Judge Jolley Bridge and the Goodland Bridge)

Library YMCA Island Country Club Golf Course Marco Island Tennis Club