History of Cape Coral
Cape Coral is young in comparison to most cities, but in our short existence we have experienced a great deal of change.
The galleries in the right column of this page contain photos illustrating the transformation of our city. You will also find links to old documents as well as fun facts and important dates. There are also some links to other pages on the City website to view current information.
We in the City Clerk’s office are proud to share the history we have compiled from our vaults and hope you enjoy this walk through time.
Early Cape Coral
Although the City of Cape Coral was incorporated in 1970, we have some documents and photos that pre-date this time. One of the oldest documents we have is a 1961 Phone book. Look to see if a person or business you know is still with us in the City.
Prior to the City being incorporated, the streets were named and not numbered. Could you have lived on Aladdin Drive, Rainbow Lane or Whippoorwill Way? Click to view the Street Names from A - Z to find out what street you lived on.
Are you one of the people who have asked, "How do you figure out which direction the streets, terraces and avenues go?" You can click to view a letter and diagram that describes how it all works.
Cape Coral Gardens
The Cape Coral Gardens at the Rose Gardens opened in 1964. Along with the beautiful rose gardens and lush tropical plants, you could see a replica of a Spanish galleon, a porpoise show and the Waltzing Waters fountain. At the entrance you would see a replica of the Iwo Jima statue, which has since been moved to its home near Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. For those of you who had the privilege to see it, you well know that the Gardens were not a place to be forgotten!
City Hall
City Hall, the heart of all City functions, has grown just as the City has over the years. As you can see in the photo gallery, City Hall has been housed in three different buildings over the years. Our Police Department was housed in the building that had been City Hall for almost 30 years, but recently made history of their own by building the new Police Department building. We strive to continue effective and efficient service to our citizens, businesses and visitors by enhancing our services.
Cape Coral Yacht Club
The Cape Cape Coral Yacht Club area is where the City started. The Yacht Club itself was built in 1958 and boasts beautiful landscaping, a sandy beach, a fishing pier and community pool. It is a popular venue for parties, picnics and weddings. In days gone by, there was a Teen Club where each teen that belonged got a key to the building and no adults were allowed (unless they ran the place!). The photos in the Yacht Club gallery include those from our very beginnings as a city as well as a shot of the Club itself in 1963. You will also find aerial shots from 2005 showing how populated the city has become.
Waterfront Wonderland
The City of Cape Coral has been known as a Waterfront Wonderland for many years. Extensive canal systems and close proximity to the Caloosahatchee River brought visitors from all over the world to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. With over 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral has more miles of canals than any other city anywhere - including Venice, Italy! In the Waterways and Bridges gallery, you will find photos from the 70's and 80's of a few bridges and canals as well as aerial photos from 2005 giving a bird's eye view of our beautiful city. In one of the photos, you will see one of our favorite marine animals, a mother manatee and its baby, taking a leisurely swim.