A History of Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce, Florida, is located on the state's east Coast. Fort Pierce boasts a rich history that intertwines Native American heritage, Spanish exploration, and the vibrant development of a coastal community. From its early days as a Seminole War outpost to its present status as a thriving city, Fort Pierce has experienced significant changes throughout its history.

The story of Fort Pierce begins with the Native Americans, who inhabited the region for centuries before European contact. These indigenous communities would thrive along what is now called the Indian River Lagoon. The Native Americans would utilize the natural resources for sustenance. These Native Americans were skilled fishermen, hunters, and gatherers who could live off the land.

 Then comes the introduction of the Europeans. Spanish explorers entered the scene in the early 16th century with the arrival of Ponce de León, who was seeking riches and new land. While the Spanish influence was felt in what is now Fort Pierce, it was not until the 1700s that the Spanish would significantly impact the region around Fort Pierce. In 1715, a Spanish treasure fleet carrying riches from the New World would encounter a hurricane off the Coast. The wreckage scattered along the Coast, earning the region its name, the Treasure Coast, and this region includes Fort Pierce. Even today, divers occasionally find remnants of this history.

The emergence of Fort Pierce came in the 19th century. This was due to it being a strategic location during the Seminole Wars. The federal government constructed the military fort in 1838 to provide a base for operations against the Seminole people. This was due to the Seminole people resisting their forced removal from their lands. However, it was not named Fort Pierce; the fort's name was Fort Capron. According to Dillon, the Capron trail would be built for military use, connecting Fort Capron to Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay (1982. 442). The outpost was crucial in the Second Seminole War but was abandoned in 1842.

Fort Pierce's history truly would begin in the late 1800s. This was due to the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1894. The addition of this transportation link would open the region to people. The railroad helped to increase settlement and economic opportunities. Henry Flagler, the railroad magnate, recognized the potential of Fort Pierce. According to The Florida East Coast Railway, Flager is credited with “founding Palm Beach, Miami, and most of the East Coast of Florida” (ND). This was due to its location, and it would become a hub for commerce and agriculture, contributing to the growth of Fort Pierce.

The pineapple industry would have significant economic impacts on Fort Pierce. The area had fertile soil and a subtropical climate, making it ideal for pineapple growing. However, The Saint Lucie Historical Society states, “the first attempts at growing pineapples had not been successful. Reintroduced to the area by Captain Thomas E. Richards, who homesteaded in 1879,” (ND) in Fort Pierce. The pineapple industry would take off in the early 1900s. This agricultural prosperity increased commerce, further strengthening the town's importance in the region.

The devastating hurricane of 1928 left a significant mark on Fort Pierce. The storm would cause considerable damage, claiming lives and reshaping the landscape. The storm would make “landfall in Palm Beach County on September 16, 1928. The storm resulted in an estimated $25 million in damage along Florida's Atlantic Coast, from Fort Pierce to Boca Raton” (Coffins Stacked Along the Bank of a Canal After the Hurricane of Belle Glade, Florida. 1928) However, the resilience of the people who reside in Fort Pierce and their commitment to rebuilding would transform the tragedy and create an opportunity. This opportunity allowed for growth and redevelopment in Fort Pierce. These were not the last changes Fort Pierce would experience.

World War II would bring further changes to Fort Pierce. This was due to the United States Navy—the U.S. The Navy would establish a naval training center in the area. Taylor states, “After touring naval bases on the Atlantic coast, (Lt. Commander Draper L.) Kauffman visited the newly created Amphibious Training Base at sleepy Fort Pierce, Florida. This facility proved to be perfect for a combat demolition school” (1997. p. 290). The Naval Amphibious Training Base trained thousands of soldiers for amphibious warfare. The military presence would have a lasting impact on the community. The effect was that many of the veterans chose to settle in Fort Pierce after the war. This new influx of people would also contribute to the town's expansion after the war.

Today, Fort Pierce continues to stand and is a testament to its enduring history. Visitors can explore the city's history at the St. Lucie County Regional History Center. This is housed in the historic Sunrise Theatre. Visitors can experience different historical sites, from the historic downtown area to the Navy Seal Museum and many other sites that allow one to share the depth of Fort Pierce’s history.

References:

Coffins Stacked Along the Bank of a Canal After the Hurricane of Belle Glade, Florida. Florida Belle Glade United States of America, 1928. [Place of Publication Not Identified: Publisher Not Identified, -09] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021670727/. 

Dillon, Rodney E. “South Florida in 1860.” The Florida Historical Quarterly 60, no. 4 (1982): 440–54. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/30149852.

Florida East Coast Railway History. Accessed on Feb 28, 2024, Retrieved from https://fecrwy.com/our-infrastructure/. 

 Pineapple Plantations. Saint Lucie Historical Society. Accessed February 29, 2024. Retrieved from https://stluciehistoricalsociety.net/pineapple-plantations/.

Taylor, Robert A. “The Frogmen in Florida: U.S. Navy Combat Demolition Training in Fort Pierce, 1943-1946.” The Florida Historical Quarterly 75, no. 3 (1997): 289–302. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30150511.

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