Marco Island Local Information
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The Marco Island History
In the mid 1500s, when Spain was exploring most of Florida, the Spaniards stumbled upon a large island which contained two cool artisan springs located near what is now known as Caxambas Pass. The island became a favorite place to fill casks with fresh water for their return trip to Spain. It eventually became known to all future sailors as La Isla de San Marco (the island of Saint Mark), named for Saint Mark, the Christian evangelist and traditional author of the second gospel in the bible. As the years went by, the site became known as San Marco Island (Saint Mark’s island) and finally, just Marco Island.
It is believed that at least 2,000 years before Christ, the ancestors of the fierce, warlike Calusa Indians inhabited this remote island. Calusas were thought to be seven feet tall sporting three-foot high ceremonial headgear thus contributing to their fierce appearance. Evidence of their existence was first discovered in 1895 when Captain Bill Collier, son of Marco’s founder. W.T. Collier, was digging on his property known then as Key Marco. Today, this area is called Old Marco and was the site of one of the most successful archeological digs in North America.
In 1870, W.T. Collier brought his wife and nine children to Marco Island. In 1896, his son, William D. “Captain Bill” Collier opened a 20 room hotel that is known today as the Olde Marco Inn and registered as an historical landmark.
Barron G. Collier (no relation to W.T. Collier) purchased most of Marco Island in 1922. With the onset of rail service (the Atlantic Coast Line) to Marco Island in 1927 plans to develop Marco Island were in process. However, the depression put a damper on development and it wasn’t until 1964, when Deltona Corporation, led by the Mackle brothers, put modern Marco on the map.
On the Gulf, accessible only by boat, Marco Island, FL
Marco Golf and Garden
Marco Island Historical Museum
ph 239-642-1440
Reservations
You have two ways of reservering a trips with iOutdoor.
Choose any of the BOOK NOW buttons on the site or simply call +1 (888) 412-1117
and talk with one of our reservation anglers to start your Offshore Fishing Marco Island. iOutdoor requires a small deposit of $50 at time of your reservation. If you must change or cancel your reservation, it must be done 24 hours prior to departure date.
1. If iOutdoor is forced to cancel a trip for any reason, a 100% refund will be made if another date cannot be arranged to your satisfaction.
2. iOutdoor can provide complete package trips with accommodations or recommend hotels/motels.
3. Tips are appreciated and are a very real part of the income of the crew. 15%-20% is typical for excellent service.
4. iOutdoor will clean, fillet and package the fish at NO additional charge, but be sure to check that this is not offered on all charters because of state laws.
Call us at +1 (888) 412-1117 and let’s start Fishing!
For additional Marco Island information be sure to go to Visit Marco Island.