History of Sarasota, Florida, USA

After the 1819 acquisition of Florida as a territory by the United States and five years before it became a state in 1845, the army established Fort Armistead in Sarasota along the bay.

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European settlers arrived in significant numbers in the late 1840s. The area already had a Spanish name, Zara Zote, on maps dating back to the early eighteenth century, and it was retained as Sara Sota.

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In 1885 a Scots colony was established in Sarasota which was portrayed as a tropical paradise that had been built into a thriving town.

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1895 - Sarasota
Sarasota, sā-rá-so'tà, a post-hamlet of Manatee co, Fla., on the Gulf of Mexico, 110 miles S. of Cedar Keys. It has a church.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

The village of Sarasota was incorporated for local government as a town under state guidelines in 1902 with John Hamilton Gillespie as mayor.

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1906
Sarasota, a post-village and resort of Manatee co., Fla., on Sarasota Bay, 110 miles S. of Cedar Keys. It is an important fishing station. Pop. 100.
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

Sarasota was incorporated as a city in 1913, with A. B. Edwards as mayor.

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Ringling Brothers Circus established its winter home in Sarasota during 1919.

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(Sarasota) - In 1925, A. B. Edwards built a theater that could be adapted for either vaudeville performances or movie screenings.

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1942 - EIGHT ARMY MEN DEAD IN CRASH OF THEIR PLANE.
Sarasota, Fla., June 12. - (AP) - Eight army fliers were killed and two injured early today when a four-engined bomber crashed into Sarasota Bay.

Maj. Gardiner Fiske, Sarasota air base intelligence officer, said the heavy ship had cleared the runway on a pre-dawn training flight and gone about a mile when it went out of control. It landed on its back in a foot and a half of water about 200 feet from shore and two of the crew were pulled from the wreckage with only minor injuries.

Major Fiske said identities had not been fully established and the crew list was withheld.
The Daily Times News
Burlington, North Carolina
June 12, 1942

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Sarasota:
1. Siesta Key Beach: Start your Sarasota adventure with a visit to Siesta Key Beach, often ranked among the top beaches in the United States. It's famous for its powdery, white quartz sand that stays cool even on the hottest days. Whether you're looking to sunbathe, swim, or build sandcastles, Siesta Key Beach has you covered.

2. St. Armands Circle: After a relaxing morning on the beach, head over to St. Armands Circle. This charming shopping and dining district is located on Lido Key and offers a wide range of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to stroll, shop for unique gifts, or savor some delicious seafood.

3. The Ringling: Sarasota is home to The Ringling, a cultural hub that encompasses the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, Ca' d'Zan Mansion, and beautiful gardens. You can spend hours exploring the art collections, learning about the history of the circus, and admiring the opulent mansion.

4. Mote Marine Laboratory &... Read MORE...