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Gulfport, Florida

A Gem of a Town

Norman
2004-08-11 17:04:14

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Have you ever wondered what a typical Florida town looked like in the early part of the last century? Then you have to travel to Gulfport, Florida, which directly abuts the southwest corner of the City of St. Petersburg.

Gulfport is known as the Gateway to the Gulf as it is the point of departure for the Gulf of Mexico. It faces Boca Ciega Bay, which leads to the Gulf.

The history of the town dates back to 1867 when the first settlers, James and Rebecca Barnett and the three children of Mrs. Barnett from a former marriage settled in the area now known as Gulfport, Florida.

In 1884 a Mr. Hamilton Disston had great plans for Gulfport, which was then known, as Disston City. He believed that a railroad would go into Disston City and consequently he built a hotel known as the Waldorf Hotel on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay as well as a dock, three stores and some houses. Unfortunately, his dreams came to naught as the railroad went into St. Petersburg and not to Disston City.

In 1890 another gentleman by the name of Captain John F. Chase envisaged the possibility of establishing a city where veterans of the Civil War might want to spend their last days. The name was changed to "Veteran City," although prior to the change the city was known as "Bonafacio." It seems that the post office officials decided that they did not like the name Disston City.

There was a trolley line originating from St. Petersburg to Veteran City in the year 1905. Also a pier was extended into Boca Ciega Bay and there was some prosperity among the inhabitants. The official incorporation and name change to Gulfport took place on the 12th of October 1910.

Today, if you walk along tree lined Beach Boulevard you will notice beautiful old buildings and the charm of Florida before developers took over in various other villages and cities in Florida. In fact, the only tall buildings you will encounter ...