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Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce,
often called the Sunrise City, has been the center of St. Lucie
County, Florida for 100 years. Fort Pierce is one of the oldest
communities on the east coast of Florida.
The city traces
its origins to 1838, when Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce, the brother
of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, built a U.S. Army fort
here during the Second Seminole War. Early settlers depended on
the river for trade and travel until the Florida East Coast Railway
arrived in the late 19th century. Incorporated in 1901, the City
grew from 300 residents to approximately 38,000 today and encompasses
over 20 square miles. Many early settlers came to the area during
the early 1900's, as Flagler's railroad brought people to the area
and to South Florida.The town grew slowly and had just under 2,000
residents by 1915. World War II ended Fort Pierce’s solitude.
From 1943-46 the city was the site of a Navy base that brought thousands
of trainees to town.
Today, there
is the new Manatee Observation and Education Center, the restored
Old City Hall, and a brick-paved traffic circle that provides a
new entrance to the city’s riverfront and marina. Restaurants,
clubs and shops contribute to a thriving, colorful downtown. Held
the first Friday of each month in downtown Fort Pierce, Friday Fest
never fails to draw a crowd. Nevertheless, Fort Pierce retains much
of its old-Florida charm. Citrus packing houses abound and fine
old homes line scenic Indian River Drive. Beautiful winter weather,
lush tropical foliage and several miles of beaches attract thousands
of "snowbirds" each year. Motorists crossing the bridge
to South Beach get a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian
River Lagoon and the Fort Pierce Inlet.
Fort Pierce
is the county seat of St. Lucie County and is the home of the main
campus of Indian River Community College.
Located 120
miles north of Miami, Fort Pierce is served by U.S. 1, Interstate
95 and the Florida Turnpike.
The city’s
current population is about 36,500.
Related
Links:
St.
Lucie County Tourism
St.
Lucie County Community Development
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