Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
First Settler's Homesite
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 14, 2014
1. First Settler's Homesite Marker
Marker Front:
Located a few yards from this spot near the banks of the Manatee River is the site of the log home of Josiah Gates. Gates was the first Anglo-American settler in the entire Manatee area which at that time extended southward to the Caloosahatchee River and eastward to the Kissimmee River. After the Second Seminole War, the Armed Occupation Act of August 4, 1842, opened Central Florida to American settlers. Gates, a native of South Carolina, moved his family here from Fort Brook (Tampa) early in 1843.
Marker Reverse:
In 1851, Josiah Gates replaced his first dwelling with a twenty room, three story frame home located a few yards further back from the river on this same site. The "Gates House" served newly arrived settlers and visitors as a hotel in the wilderness. Josiah Gates became a prosperous farmer as well as a successful innkeeper. He was also active in local government after Manatee County was created in 1855. He died in 1871. Neither of the two structures built by Josiah Gates is still standing.
Erected 1977 by Manatee County Historical Society in cooperation with Department of State. (Marker Number F-281.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast and on Tampa Bay. 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: Manatee Mineral Spring (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Manatee Courthouse / Manatee Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Theodosia Curry Lloyd House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Curry Houses National Register Historic District / Refuge of Peace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Curry Family (approx. Ό mile away); Curry House Circa 1860 (approx. Ό mile away); Mary Amelia Curry House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Photographed by PaulwC3, March 14, 2014
2. Wide view of the First Settler's Homesite Marker
Manatee County Public Library Historical Image Digital Collection, January 1870
3. Manatee's founding settler Josiah Gates
Josiah Gates and his family came to settle along the Manatee River with his family in 1842 in the party led by surveyor Sam Reid. Gates became the founder and support of the village of Manatee (after 1945 known as East Bradenton). He is seen here in his church or masonic dress. Children became leaders of the community, doctors and preachers. Josiah died in December 1924.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,487 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
