Cape Coral history

Timeline

1. 800 C.E. — The Calusa. By about 800 C.E. the Calusa live around the mouth of the Caloosahatchee and nearby islands — likely the most powerful native group in the Southeast.
2. 1513 — The Spanish arrive. The Spanish reach Mound Key; the Calusa resist colonization for generations and are effectively gone by 1763.
3. 1839 — Harney's Point. During the Second Seminole War, Chief Chekaika's band attacks Col. William Harney's camp at Redfish Point, in today's Cape Coral.
4. 1800s–1950s — Homesteads and cattle. Homesteaders, lumber and cattle companies — including the Matlacha Cattle Company — own the land that becomes Cape Coral.
5. 1956 — Redfish Point bought. Brothers Jack and Leonard Rosen buy the 1,724-acre Redfish Point tract for $678,000.
6. 1958 — Lots go on sale. A sales office opens in January 1958, selling homesites on installment plans — 10% down and $10 a month.
7. 1960s — Dredging the canals. Gulf American dredges miles of canals, three yacht basins and 14 lakes; by 1967 it is Florida's fourth-largest public company.
8. 1970 — A city is born. Cape Coral incorporates, ending its company-town era. It's now about 120 square miles with 400+ miles of navigable waterways.

Sources: History of Cape Coral (Cape Coral Museum of History). Checked Oct 9, 2026.

Museums & historic sites

• Cape Coral Museum of History · 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990

  Run by the Cape Coral Historical Society. Open Wed–Fri 11–4 and Sat 10–2 per its website; confirm before going.

  Hours & admissionDirections