Naples Florida House For Rent

History and archaeology indicate that the first residents of Florida were Paleoindians, a primitive people who largely existed by fishing, hunting and simply gathering local wild but edible plants. In time, the Calusa Indians, a powerful civilization with a surprisingly strong government and solid infrastructure became the principal inhabitants of the area. They build temples, dug waterways and canals, set up a form of toll collection for anyone traveling throughout southern Florida, and made a name for themselves as artisans, creating many wood carvings in the manner of masks and other ceremonial items. Many of these items were discovered by Frank Hamilton Cushing, who did extensive research on Marco Island in 1895.

Discovery

By the year 1513, Europe had discovered the paradise. Juan Ponce de Leon had originally laid claim to the land of Florida in the name of Spain. About 20 years later, he came back, this time with the idea of colonizing the area. Unfortunately, the Calusa Indians didn’t think that was a very good idea. Ponce de Leon was wounded in battle with Calusa warriors and died as a result of his wounds. For the next 40 years or so, repeated attempts were made by the Spaniards to conquer this beautiful but primitive land, mostly resulting in failure. The valiant Calusa warriors fought on, but in time, the constant fighting, forced slavery by those conquered along with the unwelcome gift of diseases brought from Europe finally finished the Calusa and brought on end not only to their culture, but to their very existence.

The Seminole Indians

Over time, Florida became home to Creek Indians from areas north of Florida, such as Alabama and Georgia. Other immigrants were escaped black slaves from the southern plantations. These two groups eventually mingled to such an extent, that a new cultural identify was formed over time, known as the Seminoles. Life was not easy, and eventually after much fighting with white settlers, the US government moved the Seminoles to reservations in Mississippi.

This led to years of what is known as the Seminole War, the most bloody Indian war in US history. Many Seminoles died in the fighting, but the few survivors fled into the deep cover of the Everglades and swamplands. In time, they became the unique and identifying culture of South Florida.

The area where Naples is now located did not have too many inhabitants until the mid 1880’s, particularly after the Civil War when settlers began to trickle southward in search of places to farm and call home. In time, Naples became an important location for locals to trade.

The beauty and charm of the area was not lost on the locals, and for that matter, others in the country. Before the century was over, Marco Island and Naples were fast becoming favourite winter locations for sportsmen and wealthy Northerners.

Economic Development

Business men from the north came in early part of the 20th century and had a tremendous impact on the city. Paved roads, electricity, telegraph to name a few, opened the area up to those who appreciated such amenities. As more and more good roads were constructed throughout Florida, Naples was indeed on its way to realizing its full potential as a residential community, and flourishing economic region, located in a veritable paradise.

After WWII, many of those stationed at the US Army Air Field in Naples, returned to settle in the area they had called home during the war.

Naples now claims the right to boast of being located in one of the fastest growing and developing area in all of the United States.