Fort
Pierce, Floride city traces its origins to 1838, when Lt. Col. Benjamin
K. Pierce, the brother of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president,
built a US 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. 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. In addition to first class Fort Pierce
hotels and restaurants, 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 the home of the
main campus of Indian River Community College. St. Lucie County
is in the initial stages of what promises to be exciting and continuing
growth. It fosters a favorable business climate and some of the
nations largest companies are opening branches and facilities in
the area. Conveniently located just 30 minutes north of Palm Beach
County, it is a short commute to the many attractions of North Palm
Beach. Fort Pierce Real Estate is in demand and many excellent investments
are to be found here. Relatively undeveloped, St. Lucie County offers
more house for your money. It's proximity to the Indian River, Intracoastal
Waterway and Atlantic Ocean make the area irresistible to beach,
boating and water enthusiasts.
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