History of Marco Island, Florida

W.T. Collier is credited with "founding" Marco in 1870. The Colliers attracted other settlers to the island, some to the northern end called Key Marco, and others to the southern tip known as Caxambas. Many familiar names on the island are those of the pioneers---Collier, Barfield, Doxsee, Horr, Ludlow, Burnham-who arrived at the turn of the century.

In May 1927, the island was incorporated by the state legislature and named Collier City. J.H. Doxsee was appointed mayor and virtually the entire population turned out for a big celebration. Bands played, flags flew, and a new gateway welcomed visitors who arrived by ferry. That same year Atlantic Coast Railroad came to the island. Cityhood was short-lived, however, and the state legislature abolished Collier City as a city in 1957.

The island "officially opened" on January 31, 1965. Thousands flocked to see it. Hundreds more bought their piece of paradise and many have been returning ever since to visit the largest and most northerly island in Florida's Ten Thousand island chain. Marco has become home to major industrialists, entrepreneurs, authors, entertainers and athletes, and is becoming not just a home for those enjoying their golden years, but, as predicted, a home for young working families who contribute greatly to its progress.

Frank Hamilton Cushing unearthed this small wooden effigy of a god or goddess, the Key Marco Cat, in the late 19th century, near the present day Old Marco Inn. The Inn at that time was home to the earliest American settler, Captain W.D. "Bill" Collier, and a major expedition brought to light almost 2,500 artifacts buried in the muck near his house. They reside at present, in the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Pennsylvania and the Oxford University Museum in England.

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