National Register Listing

Michigan Avenue Bridge

a.k.a. Columbus Drive Bridge; FMSF# HI06672

Columbus Dr. over the Hillsborough R., Tampa, FL
Local significance of the structure:
Transportation; Community Planning And Development; Architecture; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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.

transportation community planning and development architecture engineering bridges
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
During the 19th century, Florida was known as the "Wilderness State" due to its vast stretches of undeveloped land and abundant wildlife.
Florida random facts
Hillsborough County, located in Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Tocobaga and the Calusa. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto was the first European to visit the area in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 18th century that European settlements began to emerge.

In 1824, Hillsborough County was officially created by the Florida Territorial Legislature. The county was named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough, who served as the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly cotton and citrus.

During the Civil War, Hillsborough County played a significant role as a Confederate stronghold. Tampa, the county seat, became a crucial port for the Confederacy, and the area was heavily fortified. After the war, the county faced challenges in rebuilding its economy, but with the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century, Hillsborough County began to experience rapid growth and development.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to flourish. The city of Tampa became a major hub for trade and tourism, attracting visitors from all over the country. The area also became an important military center, with MacDill Air Force Base being established and playing a key role in both World Wars. Today, Hillsborough County is known for its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hillsborough County, Florida.

  • 1834 - Hillsborough County is established as one of the original 19 counties in Florida.
  • 1842 - Fort Brooke, a military outpost, is established where the city of Tampa now stands.
  • 1846 - Tampa is incorporated as a town.
  • 1855 - The Tampa Bay area experiences its first major industry boom with the establishment of a cigar factory.
  • 1861-1865 - Hillsborough County suffers during the American Civil War, with Tampa Bay serving as a port for blockade runners.
  • 1883 - The first railroad reaches Tampa, opening up the area for increased trade and development.
  • 1887 - Ybor City is founded as a company town for Vicente Martinez Ybor's cigar manufacturing business.
  • 1891 - Henry B. Plant's luxury hotel, the Tampa Bay Hotel (now the University of Tampa), opens and attracts wealthy visitors to the area.
  • 1914 - Tampa's port is improved and expanded, becoming a major hub for shipping and trade.
  • 1954 - Construction of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is completed, connecting Hillsborough County to Pinellas County.
  • 1971 - The University of South Florida is founded in Tampa.
  • 1986 - The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) is established, providing public transportation services throughout the county.
  • 2001 - Construction of Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is completed.