South Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Bayshore Boulevard of Dreams
Emelia and Chester W. Chapin of New York settled in Tampa in 1891. The Chapins were instrumental in helping develop the bay shore and the city of Tampa. They purchase 110 acres of land three miles south of the city limits of Tampa. On October 12, 1892 the Chapins formed The Consumers Electric Light and Street Railway Company. This new trolley car system was completed in 1893, and provided service throughout the community. Emelia Chapin’s personal trolley car Fair Lady, was built so she could shop, entertain friends and travel to the Ballast Point Pavilion. On December 14, 1898, The Consumers Electric Lights and Street Railway Company’s dam was destroyed by dynamite. The company never recovered from the major financial setback. On October 2, 1899, the company was purchased by a Boston syndicate Stone and Webster, who formed the Tampa Electric Company. When the new company assumed control, the city’s trolley system, including the Bayshore tracks, consisted of 21.5 miles. The Chapins sold all of their remaining properties, never to return to their city of dreams.
Erected 1996 by The Tampa Historical Society in cooperation with Lula J. Dovi.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1892.
Location. 27° 53.829′ N, 82° 29.303′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in South Tampa. Marker is on Bayshore Boulevard south of Coachman Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4621 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa FL 33611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battlefield (approx. 0.2 miles away); "I Pledge Allegiance..." (approx. 0.4 miles away); (Formerly) Jules Verne Park (approx. 0.7 miles away); Convent of the Holy Names (approx. 1.3 miles away); Roosevelt Elementary School (approx. 1.4 miles away); Congregation Rodeph Sholom (approx. 1.6 miles away); Port Tampa Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Kate Jackson Recreation Center (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 4, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on February 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 3. submitted on December 4, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 4. submitted on February 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.