Naples Historic District
9th Ave. S., 3rd St., 13th Ave. S, Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
Florida has been the site of many space launches and is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launched the Apollo missions to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s.
European settlement in the area began in the late 19th century. The construction of the Tamiami Trail, a roadway connecting Tampa and Miami, played a crucial role in the development of the county. The trail was completed in 1928, opening up the area for agriculture, trade, and tourism. It also led to the founding of the county in 1923, which was named after advertising magnate Barron Collier.
Collier County experienced rapid growth and development in the mid-20th century. The construction of the Everglades Jetport in the 1960s was a major project that aimed to transform the area into a thriving metropolitan hub. However, environmental concerns and legal battles ultimately prevented the jetport from opening. Instead, the land was incorporated into the Big Cypress National Preserve and maintained its natural integrity.
Today, Collier County is known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving tourism industry. The county is home to the famous Everglades National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. The region's subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor recreational activities make it a popular destination for both residents and tourists alike. With a strong emphasis on preserving its natural resources and unique ecosystems, Collier County continues to evolve while maintaining its connection to its rich history.
Collier County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Collier County, Florida.
- Created in 1923
- Named after Barron Collier, a New York City advertising mogul
- Development of Collier County began in the late 1920s as the Tamiami Trail was completed
- Immokalee, the largest inland community in the county, was established in the 1930s
- During World War II, the county served as a training ground for the United States Army
- Following the war, the construction of the Naples Municipal Airport started in the late 1940s
- In the 1950s, Collier County experienced population growth with the development of Naples and other coastal communities
- Collier County was officially incorporated as a county in 1961
- Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Collier County continued to grow as a popular tourist destination
- In 1997, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage and flooding in the area