Marco Island Town Overview
Located in Southwest Florida, Marco Island is the largest and only developed island in the Ten Thousand Islands area. The island provides access to both the largest mangrove forest in the U.S. as well as the Gulf of Mexico’s refreshing tropical waters and white sandy beaches. In addition to mangroves and beaches, Marco Island is well-known for its plentiful fishing and seafood scene, land and sea excursions, and luxurious resorts. From the solo adventurer to vacationing families, there’s a slice of tropical paradise fit for every kind of traveler here.
History of Marco Island
The original inhabitants of Marco Island were the Calusa Native Americans. The Calusa were likely descendants of the Mayans who emigrated to the area around 4000 years ago. They were expert woodworkers who crafted a mix of practical structures, hollowed-out canoes, masks, and figurines. After the Calusa were wiped out by disease and European colonizers in the mid-1700s, Marco Island and Southwest Florida as a whole went largely uninhabited until after the American Civil War.
Fun Facts About Marco Island
- Famed Spanish explore, Juan Ponce de Leon, died in 1521 due to wounds inflicted during a conflict with the Calusa Native Americans, Marco Island’s original inhabitants.
- Marco Island’s original name was Caxambas, which translated to “fresh water” in the native language. Caxambas was also one of the first named places in the United States. Over time the name was changed to Las Isla de San Marco, then San Marco Island, and finally the current name of Marco Island.
- A Calusa figurine, called the “Key Marco Cat,” is on display at the Smithsonian. It is a wood figurine that was carved in Marco Island between 1400-1500 AD.