AboutSanibel-Captiva
History
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have a rich history that includes a diverse range of people. Everyone from Native Americans to Spanish explorers, to pirates, to the U.S. Navy, to a cartoonist, to a Director of the CIA has shaped the history of these two islands.
The Islands were first settled by Native Americans of the Calusa Nation 2500 years ago. The Calusa were able to utilize the extensive aquatic resources around them to develop into a thriving community. When the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, in addition to gold, they were looking for the fabled Fountain of Youth. According to legend, Juan Ponce de Leon, perhaps the most famous Spanish explorer of Florida, spent much of his time looking for the fountain up until he was mortally wounded in a battle against the Calusa Indians.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, it is said that the islands became home to infamous pirates including Jose Gaspar. Legend says that these pirates gave Captiva Island its name, "Isle de los Captivas."
Even after Congress annexed Florida, making it a state, in 1845, settlement in Southwest Florida, and especially Sanibel Island, was severely stifled by the Seminole Wars. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that the U.S. military was able to secure Sanibel and Captiva.
Since that time, many people have shaped the history of Sanibel and Captiva. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford visited Sanibel Island to relax and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the environment. Political cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling visited the island in 1935. Amazed by the ecological beauty and complexity of the island, Ding Darling campaigned for federal protection of the island as a wildlife refuge. This campaign prompted the establishment of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.
In 1963, the Sanibel Causeway was built. Previously, transport to the Island was primarily achieved by use of a ferry service. The construction of this bridge did not just make it easier for residents of Sanibel to travel to and from the mainland. It also made overdevelopment a much more real threat to Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Fortunately, today, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island maintain their natural, undeveloped beauty.
Today
The islands of Sanibel and Captiva are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. What is unique about Sanibel and Captiva is that not only do they have beautiful beaches; they also feature a largely unspoiled natural ecosystem. Even outside of the nearly half of the island that is federally protected, the natural ecosystem has been very well preserved. There is still not even a single traffic light on Sanibel Island.
The beaches are among the most appealing aspects of Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Sanibel alone has 15 miles of beautiful, unspoiled beach. It is no surprise that the beaches are Sanibel’s most prominent attraction.
In addition to beaches, the islands offer many other activities. For example Sanibel and Captiva hold a unique shopping scene. Everything from souvenirs to local art can be found by shopping on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. In addition to shopping, there are many restaurants that can suit any taste or budget. Whether you are looking for an exquisite fine dining experience, or a fun, family atmosphere, there is a restaurant on Sanibel Island or Captiva Island for you.
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