In May 1894, Anna Maria Island's first modern-day pioneer -- George Emerson Bean -- took up a homestead, signed by President Wm. McKinley, that embraced the island's entire north point. Other daring settlers, such as Samuel C. Cobb and John R. . . . — — Map (db m72419) HM
In 1911, with dreams of founding..."the place destined to be the greatest year-round resort in Florida," the Anna Maria Beach Company built the Anna Maria City Dock (later called Pier).
The dock, extending 776 feet into the waters of Tampa . . . — — Map (db m242279) HM
The Anna Maria Development Company built this pier and wharf in 1911-1912 to provide dockage for ships from St. Petersburg and Tampa. It has since withstood hurricanes and lesser storms too numerous to mention. Although parts were damaged by . . . — — Map (db m242411) HM
Less than a mile to the north lies Passage Key, marking the southerly entrance into Tampa Bay. Since Ponce de Leon explored this coast in 1513, this island has served to guide ships into the great bay beyond, called by early Spanish explorers . . . — — Map (db m72420) HM
Built in 1911, the Anna Maria City Pier welcomed visitors and residents to the island city arriving by steamship. The 776-foot-long pier accommodated paddle wheelers such as the Favorite and the Mistletoe prior to the construction of . . . — — Map (db m72421) HM
The Historical Society of Anna Maria Island Museum
Built in 1920 as an ice house on 402 Pine Avenue, the building was subsequently used as city hall, the police department, a firehouse and the Turtle House before the Society renovated . . . — — Map (db m72447) HM
In 1911, a group of businessmen from Anna Maria Island and St. Petersburg founded the Anna Maria Beach Company to develop the island into a resort community. The company cleared land, laid out streets and sidewalks, dug wells and laid water . . . — — Map (db m241303) HM
Early Islanders relied on small boats to bring supplies and to transport visitors. As more people discovered the island, a new transportation solution was needed. In 1911, developers built a 776-foot-long pier to accommodate larger boats and to . . . — — Map (db m241304) HM
The Island Playhouse is one of the oldest buildings on Anna Maria Island. The simple frame vernacular building was once the home of William H. Gillett and was originally located in the Town of Parrish in Manatee County. In 1912, it was barged down . . . — — Map (db m72446) HM
In 1927, a particularly rowdy tavern and dance hall on the beach near Spring Avenue rapidly disturbed the quiet town of Anna Maria. Town mayor Mitch Davis built a jail to lock up the offenders. The jail was unique. With only bars on the windows, . . . — — Map (db m131307) HM
