Saint Petersburg Florida History

Prior to Spanish exploration of Florida’s west coast in the 16th century, the land around Pinellas Peninsula was inhabited by Tamucuan Indians. The first known settler was Antonio Maximo in 1843; he had a thriving fishing business until the 1848 hurricane destroyed his property. The city of St Petersburg was founded by John C. Williams of Michigan in 1876 with a partner, Peter Demens, a Russian, who helped bring the railroad in 1888. A coin toss between the two men determined who would name the city. It incorporated in 1892. The loser named the first hotel, the Detroit Hotel. Port facilities were dredged for a deeper channel enabling greater shipping and commerce. By the turn of the century, the population of St Petersburg was over 4,000. In 1914 an airplane service between the city and Tampa was established until the completion of the Gandy Bridge across Tampa Bay. During the 1970’s, St Petersburg drew a great deal of attention as a place to retire. Property values increased and the community expanded. The city’s attraction to visitors to come and enjoy its natural landscape, cultural activities and sporting opportunities brings thousands to St Petersburg every year.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History contains over 32,000 objects preserved from early settlement of Pinellas County including documents, artifacts, and photographs, as well as records from the Florida Aviation Society.