History

Before the splendor of the modern era, Marco Island was the domain of the fierce Calusa Indians and hardy pioneers. It is believed that the Calusa moved to Florida at least 4000 years ago. When Christopher Columbus set sail to explore the new world, the Calusa were flourishing along the lower Gulf coast; rich land and sea resources provided the Calusa with a plentiful food supply and raw materials for tools, shelter, and clothing.

Present Day Marco Island

A sun-drenched jewel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island features six miles of beach and over 100 miles of waterways within its 24 square miles. Marco Island is the largest Barrier Island within Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands area extending from Marco Island to Cape Sable. It lies within the subtropical to tropical climate zone and experiences a distinct wet and dry season with most of the rainfall occurring between the months of June and October.

The Mackle Brothers

The Marco Island visionaries were the Mackle Brothers -- Elliott, Robert, and Frank, Jr. They are responsible for the modern development of Marco Island, and acquired most of Marco Island for $7 million. Their company, The Deltona Corporation, developed a master plan for the Island. It was to be designed for a complete range of resort and leisure living -- hotels, motels, apartments, and extensive areas for homes.