History of Tampa, Florida, USA

1823 - Tampa, Florida founded
Grew from earlier military post Fort Brooke.
wikipedia.org

1848 - Hurricane pushes a 15-foot tide through Tampa, Fla.
Fort Brooke, site of the present-day city of Tampa, was nearly destroyed by two hurricanes that hit the area within a month of each other.

Hurricane timeline: The 1800s
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
www.sun-sentinel.com

1854 - Tampa
Tampa, a small post-village, capital of Hillsborough co., Florida, at the head of Tampa bay, (navigable by large vessels,) about 40 miles E. from the Gulf of Mexico.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1885 - Two fishermen of Tampa, Fla., lately caputred a sawfish, said to be the largest ever caught in Tampa Bay.
It was sixteen feet three inches long, six feet wide, and weighed five hundred pounds. The saw was over four feet long.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 30, 1885

1906
Tampa, a city and port of entry, capital of Hillsboro co, Fla., is situated at the head or NE. end of Tampla Bay at the mouth of the Hillsboro River, 240 miles SSW. of Jacksonville, on the Atlantic Coast and the Seaboard Air Lines. Among its points of interest are De Soto Park and the Convent of Holy Names. The city, which is connected through Port Tampa with the principal Atlantic and Gulf ports, is an important shipping point for phosphates, naval stores, subtropical fruits, lumber, fish, and cattle, and has extensive cigar-factories. Tamp has recently become a favorite winter-resort. Pop. in 1890, 5532; in 1900, 15,839.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1908 - TAMPA FLAME SWEPT; LOSS $600,000. MILLIONS OF CIGARS MAKE AROMATIC BLAZE.
Blaze Fanned by Strong Wind Wipes Out Many Buildings; Cuban Woman Drops Dead From Excitement

[By Morning Journal Special Leased Wire.]

Tampa, Fla., March 1.—The entire extreme northeastern section of this city was destroyed by fire which broke out in a boarding house early today and raged uninterruptedly for four hours. The area burned covered fifty-five acres or eighteen and one-half city blocks and three hundred and eight buildings were destroyed with a total loss estimated a $600,000 and one woman is dead from excitement.

The burned section includes four large and one smaller cigar factory and numerous restaurants, saloons, boarding houses, and over 200 residents occupied the cigarmakers. The factories burned were:

M. Stacheberg & Co., loss $100,000; M. Perez & Co., loss $50,000; Gonzales Fisher & Co., loss $40,000; Esberg Gunst & Co., branch of Stachelgerg, loss $40,000; and Ferdinez & Co. loss $20,000.

All factories carried large stocks of tobacco and cigars. The... Read MORE...

1919 - FIRE SWEEPS TAMPA. BLAZE STARTED BY SPARKS FROM SHIPS; DESTROYS TWO BLOCKS.
Tampa, Fla., Dec. 31. - Two blocks in the wholesale district, bounded by the river and by Tampa, Whiting and Washington streets were destroyed by fire late yesterday. Early estimates placed the loss between $350,000 and $500,000.

The business section was cut off from electric lights and power, and special police protection was provided merchants last night, thieves having robbed offices at the Citizens National Bank of small amounts while the fire was in progress. The Tribune was preparing to issue last night by [illegible]

Capt. J. D. ROSS and several other firemen were burned while fighting the flames, which spread so rapidly almost 1,000 feet of hose had to be abandoned.

Sparks, falling on the roof of the Home Line Office from a bay steamer, getting up steam under a forced draft, are believed to have started the fire.
San Antonio Light
San Antonio, Texas
December 31, 1919

1921 - SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTS LOSSES. Gulf Hurricane Does Great Damage. TAMPA SUFFERS MOST. Gale Wipes Out Small Obstacles in Path but Few Lives Are Lost.
Lakeland, Fla., Oct 26. South Florida spent today in recapitulating the damage estimated to run well into millions of dollars caused by the gulf hurricane which tore northeastwardly across the Florida peninsula yesterday. At times attaining a velocity of 70 miles an hour, the gale wrought destruction to smaller obstacles in its path, but only in a few instances, according to reports, causing a loss of life.

While there have been only three or four isolated cases of deaths from the storm it is feared the clearing away of the debris in Tampa's wrecked portions might add to the list. Of the cities and towns within a radius of 40 miles of Lakeland that could be reached by automobile today. Tampa appears to have suffered the greatest damage. The Bay Shore drive residential section from Franklin street to Port Tampa is a panorama of destruction. Trees are down, houses with roofs torn away and foundations weakened from the tidal wave that swept in over the sea wall from Tampa bay have... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Tampa:
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: This world-renowned theme park is a must-visit. It offers thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment. It's a great place for family fun.

2. The Florida Aquarium: Explore marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, a coral reef ecosystem, and a chance to see Florida's native wildlife up close.

3. Ybor City: Known for its historic significance and vibrant nightlife, Ybor City is a hub for entertainment. You can enjoy Cuban food, explore the historic district, and visit the Ybor City State Museum.

4. Tampa Riverwalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Hillsborough River, public art installations, and waterfront dining.

5. Tampa Bay History Center: Discover the rich history of the Tampa Bay area through interactive exhibits and artifacts. It's a great place to learn about the city's past.

6. Lowry Park Zoo: Perfect for a... Read MORE...