Harding Circle Historic District
a.k.a. Historic St. Armands Circle
Roughly, John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Cir., and Blvd. of Presidents, Sarasota, FL Local significance of the site:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Miami Beach Art Deco District is home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, with over 800 buildings from the 1920s and 1930s still standing and in use today.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, led by Juan Ponce de León. They claimed the land for Spain, but did not establish any permanent settlements. It was not until the 19th century, during the period of American westward expansion, that pioneers began to settle in the region. The first pioneer, William Whitaker, arrived in 1842, and other settlers followed in the subsequent years.
The region's growth was significantly boosted with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The Florida Mortgage and Investment Company, led by Bertha Palmer, purchased a large portion of land in the area, promoting the development of the city of Sarasota. The area quickly established itself as a popular destination for tourism and winter residences for wealthy Americans.
In the years that followed, Sarasota County continued to grow and evolve. It experienced a real estate boom in the 1920s, which was followed by the devastating effects of the Great Depression. However, the area gradually recovered and emerged as a major cultural and economic hub. Today, Sarasota County is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and thriving tourism industry, which continues to contribute to its growth and prosperity.
Sarasota County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sarasota County, Florida.
- 1842 - The United States Army establishes a fort in present-day Sarasota County, known as Fort Armistead.
- 1855 - The first permanent settler, William Whitaker, establishes a homestead in the area.
- 1867 - The 14th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, purchases land in present-day Sarasota County.
- 1878 - The town of Sarasota is established, named after the Sarasota Bay.
- 1885 - The Florida Mortgage and Investment Company purchases land in Sarasota and initiates development in the area.
- 1913 - Sarasota County is created from portions of Manatee County, with the town of Sarasota as its county seat.
- 1921 - John and Charles Ringling of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus purchase land in Sarasota and develop the area, attracting tourism and establishing a winter quarters for the circus.
- 1967 - Construction of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is completed, showcasing the Ringling family's art collection and becoming a cultural landmark in the county.
- 1991 - The Great Recession impacts Sarasota County, causing an economic downturn and a decline in the real estate market.
- 2017 - Sarasota County celebrates its centennial anniversary.