Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Harding Circle Historic District
Photographed by Paul F, June 17, 2010
1. Harding Circle Historic District Marker
In 1923 circus magnate John N. Ringling (1866-1936) purchased St. Armands Key, an uninhabited, 150-acre, oval shaped island. He planned a community of fine residences with a central circle park surrounded by shops. The park was named in memory of his friend, President Warren Harding (1865-1923). The landscape plan for the island consisting of the central park, boulevards and medians, was designed by a prominent landscape architect, John J. Watson (1876-1950). The development work was done by Ringlings partner, Owen Burns (1869-1937). The grand opening of St. Armands occurred in 1928 when the bridge to the mainland was completed. Lots were sold and subsequently a few homes of Mediterranean and Spanish architecture were built. Although the Depression (1929-1941) halted the progress of his plan, John Ringlings vision was realized with the development of the residential area, beaches and shopping district since 1945. On January 16, 2001, Harding Circle, with its associated medians and boulevards, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique early community planning and development.
Erected 2004 by City of Sarasota, the St. Armands Residents Association and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-499.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 27° 19.086′ N, 82° 34.67′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. It is on John Ringling Boulevard near St Armands Circle, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sarasota FL 34236, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dan Rice (a few steps from this marker); Elly Ardelty (a few steps from this marker); Otto Griebling (a few steps from this marker); Allan C. Hill (a few steps from this marker); The Loyal-Repensky Troupe (a few steps from this marker); Gunther Gebel-Williams (a few steps from this marker); Alexis Brothers (a few steps from this marker); James A. Bailey (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.
Photographed by Paul F, June 17, 2010
2. Harding Circle Historic District Marker
North side of marker
Photographed by Paul F, June 17, 2010
3. Harding Circle Historic District Marker
South side of marker
Photographed by Paul F, June 17, 2010
4. Harding Circle Historic District Marker
Marker with statue of Christopher Columbus in background
Photographed by Paul F, June 17, 2010
5. Harding Circle
Picture of circle park which is the center of the roundabout forming St. Armands Circle
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
