Sanibel & Captiva history swims with Indians, pirates, fishermen, farmers, hurricanes, a ferry boat, several airstrips, Presidential visits, a nationally-known cartoonist, and an elaborate boat named Algiers. While only a handful of current island residents are descended from original settlers, the curious can discover the old islands via a number of formats.

Both Sanibel and Captiva libraries have a wealth of books, and even audio recordings, about the islands' fascinating history. Local bookshops also carry great titles, including Tales of Olde Sanibel and Sanibel's Story.

A couple of hours at Sanibel's Historic Village is a real eye-opener. Wander through fully furnished, early 1900s island cottages. Thumb through island newspaper archives; the photos alone are amazing. Did you know that not that long ago you could stand on Periwinkle Way and see the Gulf of Mexico?

Recently, several historic markers have been erected across Sanibel Island. Watch for them on your daily bike ride - each tells a story of the island's past.

Old Town Sanibel; the East End village, has its own unique history. Cuban fishermen built fish camps there in the 1860s, prior to construction of the lighthouse in 1884.

Bailey's General Store, founded in 1899, was located for most of its existence near what is today the causeway entrance to the island. It wasn't until 1963 that the bridge was completed, ferry service stopped and the Bailey store moved further up-island.

Casa Ybel's historic Thistle Lodge encourages guests to experience fine dining overlooking the same beach and grounds where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, among others, gathered.

Captiva has been home to the Calusa Indians, a boarding school for boys and a large key lime plantation. The quaint Chapel by the Sea exudes old-island charm. Captiva was also the favorite hangout of the late, great, forward-thinking political cartoonist J.N. "Ding" Darling. The Captiva Island Inn is one of the older, more charming properties on Captiva. Situated right in the Village, your just a few steps from several terrific restaurants and the beach. Head to the Mucky Duck where you can enjoy a cool drink on the patio or dine inside and have a beachfront seat for sunset - that never gets old!

In the 1920's Collier Inn on Useppa Island was a sport fishing mecca for the rich and famous - Rockefeller, Dupont, Edison and Ford, to name a few. Today the Inn serves as the main clubhouse for this private island an if you're not a member the only way to visit is via Captiva Cruises. Visit and enjoy a relaxing lunch and trip to the historic museum.



And the pirates? A wealth of stories, and many are true. One oft-repeated pirate legend revolves around the name Captiva. We'll let you discover this and other great tales on your own.

Take the time to dig into a little island history. You'll start to see the islands in a whole new light.