Punta Gorda in Charlotte County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Site of Hotel Punta Gorda
Photographed By Paul F, June 17, 2010
1. Site of Hotel Punta Gorda Marker
Inscription.
Site of Hotel Punta Gorda. . Hotel Punta Gorda, one the first buildings of any kind constructed in Punta Gorda, opened in January 1888 and served over 3300 guests within its first season. The three story building contained 150 rooms, all with a view of the waters of Charlotte Harbor. The hotel, built in the Queen Anne style, included clapboard siding, multi-paned windows, round conical roofed towers, and a hipped roof. Although located in a then remote part of Florida, the hotel had such modern conveniences as gas lighting, electric bells, steam heat and open fireplaces. Roses draped over the railings of the extensive veranda, and the grounds were landscaped with camphor trees and palms. The hotel attracted a clientele of wealthy and notable guests from around the world: Thomas Edison, John Wanamaker, W.K. Vanderbilt, the Samuel Colt family and others. There was a period when the hotel declined, ownership changed and in 1924 was acquired by Barron Collier. He changed the name to the Hotel Charlotte Harbor, remodeled the hotel and expanded the grounds. He stuccoed the exterior, added a fourth floor ballroom and arches to the porch, giving the hotel elements of the Spanish Eclectic style. He added new tennis courts, a boat basin and a 176 by 80 foot swimming pool. The hotel flourished again with many famous guests, but after some hard times it was destroyed by fire in August 1959.
Hotel Punta Gorda, one the first buildings of any kind constructed in Punta Gorda, opened in January 1888 and served over 3300 guests within its first season. The three story building contained 150 rooms, all with a view of the waters of Charlotte Harbor. The hotel, built in the Queen Anne style, included clapboard siding, multi-paned windows, round conical roofed towers, and a hipped roof. Although located in a then remote part of Florida, the hotel had such modern conveniences as gas lighting, electric bells, steam heat and open fireplaces. Roses draped over the railings of the extensive veranda, and the grounds were landscaped with camphor trees and palms. The hotel attracted a clientele of wealthy and notable guests from around the world: Thomas Edison, John Wanamaker, W.K. Vanderbilt, the Samuel Colt family and others. There was a period when the hotel declined, ownership changed and in 1924 was acquired by Barron Collier. He changed the name to the Hotel Charlotte Harbor, remodeled the hotel and expanded the grounds. He stuccoed the exterior, added a fourth floor ballroom and arches to the porch, giving the hotel elements of the Spanish Eclectic style. He added new tennis courts, a boat basin and a 176 by 80 foot swimming pool. The hotel flourished again with many famous guests, but after some hard times it was destroyed by fire
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in August 1959.
Erected 2008 by Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1888.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 26° 56.121′ N, 82° 3.068′ W. Marker was in Punta Gorda, Florida, in Charlotte County. Marker was at the intersection of W Marion Ave and Taylor St, on the right when traveling west on W Marion Ave. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Punta Gorda FL 33950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker was destroyed by Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022.
Regarding Site of Hotel Punta Gorda.
Photographed By Paul F, June 17, 2010
2. Site of Hotel Punta Gorda Marker
North side of marker
Subject property is now a vacant lot and small parking lot.
Photographed By Paul F, June 17, 2010
3. Site of Hotel Punta Gorda Marker
South side of marker
Photographed By Paul F, June 17, 2010
4. Site of Hotel Punta Gorda Marker
The current vacant lot and parking area can be seen in this view.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,293 times since then and 235 times this year. Last updated on February 12, 2023, by Kelly Gaylord of Punta Gorda, Florida. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.