Have you ever wondered what a typical Florida town looked like in the early part of the last century? Then you have to travel to Gulfport, Florida, which directly abuts the southwest corner of the City of St. Petersburg.

Gulfport is known as the Gateway to the Gulf as it is the point of departure for the Gulf of Mexico. It faces Boca Ciega Bay, which leads to the Gulf.

The history of the town dates back to 1867 when the first settlers, James and Rebecca Barnett and the three children of Mrs. Barnett from a former marriage settled in the area now known as Gulfport, Florida.

In 1884 a Mr. Hamilton Disston had great plans for Gulfport, which was then known, as Disston City. He believed that a railroad would go into Disston City and consequently he built a hotel known as the Waldorf Hotel on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay as well as a dock, three stores and some houses. Unfortunately, his dreams came to naught as the railroad went into St. Petersburg and not to Disston City.

In 1890 another gentleman by the name of Captain John F. Chase envisaged the possibility of establishing a city where veterans of the Civil War might want to spend their last days. The name was changed to "Veteran City," although prior to the change the city was known as "Bonafacio." It seems that the post office officials decided that they did not like the name Disston City.

There was a trolley line originating from St. Petersburg to Veteran City in the year 1905. Also a pier was extended into Boca Ciega Bay and there was some prosperity among the inhabitants. The official incorporation and name change to Gulfport took place on the 12th of October 1910.

Today, if you walk along tree lined Beach Boulevard you will notice beautiful old buildings and the charm of Florida before developers took over in various other villages and cities in Florida. In fact, the only tall buildings you will encounter are the condo complex of Town Shores of Gulfport, which in no way spoils the idyllic atmosphere of the town.

You will also notice two very good restaurants; one called La Cote Basque, where you can have a meal at a very reasonable price. It is wise to reserve during the weekend as many of the locals dine here. Another very interesting place to dine is called Backfin Blue.

The new pier is another place where you will want to visit especially in early morning when the sun rises or at sunset. The view from the pier is spectacular. You may even watch the dolphins from time to time put on quite a show in Boca Ciega Bay.

You may also be able to spot the famous pink hotel called the Don Cesar located at the entrance of Pass-A-Grille-Beach. Incidentally, many Hollywood movies have been filmed at the Don Cesar.

If you like fishing, bring along your fishing gear and you are sure to catch something interesting from the pier. Large catfish are plentiful as well as most other fish caught in the area. Look out for the birds! They will eat the fish right off your hook, especially the pelicans.

An early morning walk along Gulfport Beach is a must. You can listen to the singing budgies and watch many of the well-known Florida birds. You can even watch the local inhabitants go through their Tai Chi exercises! When you have completed your walk stop off at the local bakery and coffee shop located on Beach Boulevard where the coffee and croissants are "yummy!"

Another site you should visit is the Gulfport Historical Society Museum which is opened Monday though Friday from 2pm to 4pm and 10:00am to Noon on Saturday.

On the first Friday of every month an artist's gallery walk is conducted from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. All of the craft and art stores located on Beach Boulevard are open where you can browse, shop and help yourself to refreshments, which often include wine and cheese. A good idea would be to make an evening of it and dine at one of the restaurants located on Beach Boulevard or have some ice cream dessert at the ice cream store located at the end of Beach Boulevard near the Casino.

Incidentally, the History Museum is open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on gallery walk nights.

If you plan to stay overnight you may want to check out the Sea Breeze Manor, which is a bed and breakfast having a beautiful view of the bay and Gulfport Beach. The view from this Bed and Breakfast is awesome especially during early morning hours.

You can't leave Gulfport without checking out the Gulfport Casino. This is part of Gulfport history and a famous landmark, where dances are held several times a week as well as dance lessons. If you are in the mood for dancing, this is the place to be.

I have been visiting Gulfport for the past twenty-five years and I never tire of the magnificent views and beauty of this gem of a town!

Some of the sites you may wish to check out concerning Gulfport are the following:

Sea Breeze Manor map
This link will show you the directions to the Sea Breeze Manor, which would be the same directions to the town itself.

City of Gulfport
This link gives you some idea of the City itself.

Gulfport Public Library
One of the best libraries in the area is the Gulfport Public Library. If you are in the area drop by and check it out. You can find a wide assortment of newspapers as well as Internet access. If you happen to be a member you will be able to borrow not only books but also videos, tapes and cds.

There are also various programs offered such as book reviews, children's programs, movies, internet workshops etc. In fact I have even given a workshop pertaining to the Internet when I vacationed in Gulfport during the winter of 2002. I intend to continue giving workshops whenever I am in Gulfport.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.

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