Cape Coral History

Cape Coral was built about 40 years ago by two land speculators who believed that the property's location on the Gulf Coast provided abundant sunshine and almost endless opportunities for waterfront living.

The Rosen brothers purchased the property, platted the community and created more than 400 miles of canals. The Census Bureau reports Cape Coral is the 3rd largest city by land mass, with an area of 115 square miles." The brothers began a massive marketing campaign that resulted in the sale of nearly all of the 350,000 residential building sites, the majority to people who lived in other states.

One of the fastest growing areas in Florida

The City incorporated in August 1970, and its population continues to grow rapidly. With more than 160,000 residents, Cape Coral is one of the fastest growing areas in Florida.Cape Coral is the 3rd largest city geographically in the state of Florida and is the 11th largest city in population.

The city is a large peninsula on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is bordered by the Caloosahatchee River on the east and Matlacha Pass on the west. The city is located about 90 minutes south of Sarasota.

For more historical information and photos, click here to go to the City Clerk's Historical Page.