The history of Sanibel Island begins with the native peoples who originally occupied it. The Seminole and other Indian nations called these islands home. There have been archeological digs that reveal that the history of human habitation on these islands goes back at least 6,000 years. Today, these islands show their history in myriad ways. Captiva Island history and Sanibel Island history are both preserved in their buildings, their culture and in the form of various museums and preserved portions of the island. Visitors will find that the story of these islands is plainly visible to all.
The modern history of Sanibel Island begins in 1832. The first settlement was established that year by the Florida Peninsular Land Company. This development, however, never really took off. By 1849, the development was abandoned and the island was empty. It would be over 10 years before the island was again settled. Sanibel Island history has another chapter which begins in 1862 and continues to the modern day. The Homestead Act made the land attractive to settlers. That same year, a lighthouse was constructed that made the island easier to reach. That lighthouse constitutes one of the island’s present-day landmarks.
The history of Captiva Island begins with the odd name. Legend holds that this island was used by one of the actual pirates of the Caribbean to hold prisoner a woman with whom he had fallen in love. In reality, the names of these islands are somewhat in dispute as to their origins. Whether they originated out of sloppy writing on maps or by other means is not truly clear. The modern era of Captiva history begins with William Herbert Binder, the first settler who arrived in 1888. His grave is still preserved at the Chapel by the Sea.
Some of Captiva Island history and Sanibel Island history represents a bit of rebellion against the pressures of modern development. The first causeway was constructed between the mainland and Sanibel in the early 1960s. To offset the surge of new residents, the islanders enacted strict building codes. The islands remain something of living museums to a simpler time in a very unusual way: There are no fast-food restaurants on either island. Sanibel Island also has an authentic historic village preserved as part of its historical museum. The pioneer cemetery may be reached on Sanibel via the island’s extensive system of bike trails.
