The History Of St Petersburg FL
Here is a brief history of St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, also known as ‘St. Pete’ is a metropolitan city tucked away on the Tampa Bay coast in the west of Florida. Geographically, it is located between Tampa bay and the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of over 257,083, St. Pete ranks fifth among the most populous city in Florida and the second largest in terms of area.
The city is nicknamed ‘Sunshine city’ for its warm weather and sunny disposition for the most part of the year. The coastal weather hence causally makes it the most sought after destination for all beach lovers. Tourists and natives engage in boating, fishing and golfing as well.
The Top Things to Look For in St Petersburg, FL
The city is home to the world famous Salvador Dali museum, award winning beaches and natural parks. Its rich night life, fascinating historical sites, museums and local markets forms a perfect getaway for family and solo vacation.
Some of the ‘must see’ places at St Pete are:
- Salvador Dali Museum
- Mahaffey Theatre
- Chihuly Collection famous for their glass work
- Fort De Soto Park
- Pinellas Point Temple Mound
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Tarpon Springs
- Egmont Key and Egmont Key Lighthouse
Captivating History
St. Petersburg was founded in 1988 by John C. Williams and Peter Demens. John Williams had first bought the land while Peter Demens had bought the railroad industry into the area. The city was Incorporated and later Re- Incorporated in 1892 and 1903 respectively. Legends reveal that it was Peter Demens who on winning the toss, named the city after Saint Petersburg, Russia, his hometown. Williams later named the first hotel ‘Detroit Hotel’ after his native place. The city is run by a mayor and city council.
Low cost of living and warm weather attracted the senior citizens to retire here making St. Pete a popular retirement destination. However, all the beaches and golfing soon pulled the young crowds too.
Commercial development
The first electrical service was initiated in 1897 and the first trolley service started in 1904. Hibbs Fish Company was the first major company to have been established in 1899 and in the first year itself, the company began shipping more than 1,000 pounds of fish daily.
Gradually there was a rise in infrastructure. Ports were enhanced and airline service was initiated. The city became the spring training destination of St. Louis Browns. With the rise in population, cultural center and library also began to mushroom.
St. Petersburg soon became a popular tourist destination with tourist coming from all over by yacht, auto mobiles and airlines. It soon became the largest city in Pinellas County.
The city adopted Mediterranean style architecture building some of the finest edifices. World War II increased the demographic cohort with the deployment of over 100,000 military troops. Most of these troops later turned residents.
Larger infrastructure with thriving art and culture attracted more and more people and institutions to form roots here.
Plan a Visit Today!
St. Petersburg will surely wow you with its captivating festivals, sports evens, night life options, sun kissed beaches, Casino, performing arts and cultural extravaganzas.