When you choose an Anna Maria Island vacation, you’re not only visiting a gorgeous Gulf barrier island but also a location steeped in centuries-old history and rich in cultural legacy. Besides the many things to do on Anna Maria Island—from beach activities to kayak tours through mangroves to spending the day at a nearby aquarium—you might be interested in learning more about the historical development of AMI. There are museums, tours, and historical sites that delve into the long history of Anna Maria Island, beginning from the Spanish explorers and early settlements all the way to the modern-day tourist attractions of the area.
Let’s take a quick look at the beginnings and growth of Anna Maria Island, as well as the best Anna Maria Island accommodations and Anna Maria Island hotels that will ensure that your stay on this beautiful Gulf island is the best it can be.
Early Inhabitants and Spanish Exploration
The earliest known life on what would one day become Anna Maria Island were the Native American tribes that called the land home in 1000 A.D. These tribes fiercely protected their land, and when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon landed on the island in 1521, he did not find it easy to take over the new place he had “discovered.”De Leon was so confident that he would stake his claim following his arrival that he even named it Anna Maria Island in honor of the Queen to Spain’s King Charles II. Ultimately, he could not successfully establish a colony as the natives quickly drove him away.
Less than 20 years later, another Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, arrived in what is today known as Bradenton. He enslaved those same Native Americans who had driven de Leon from the island years before. De Soto took the enslaved tribe to El Dorado to help him search for the mythical gold thought to be there. With the natives removed from their homeland, settlers began to move into Anna Maria Island. In 1892, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent resident and built a plantation. Later, a beach, Bean Point, would be named after him.
The Manatee County Area
As with AMI, the area today known as Manatee County was home to Native Americans for centuries before settlers arrived in 1842. A sugar mill, a store, and other businesses and homes soon sprang up. Named after the sea cows that thrive in the waters around the island, Manatee County was eventually established in January 1855. Later, the area was divided into seven counties, with just over 740 square miles left as Manatee County. Municipalities that make up Manatee County today include Bradenton (the county seat), Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and the city of Anna Maria.
Anna Maria Island’s Early Developments
As mentioned, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent settler of Anna Maria Island in 1892. George Wilhelm Bean, the son of George Bean, and Charles Roser, the father of the Fig Newton, partnered to begin much of the area’s early development following the death of George Bean in 1898. The first church, Roser Memorial Community Church, was established in the early 1900’s. The 678-foot Anna Maria City Pier was built at the end of Pine Avenue for ships to dock in 1911-1912.
Another early resident, Samuel Cobb, built his home on 160 acres and was the founder of two of the area’s earliest businesses: a marina and The Club House in 1907, which included sleeping rooms and showers. The Club House is widely considered to be the first Anna Maria Island hotel. Cobb also ran the first post office in 1902, and the island saw its first schoolhouse built in 1913.
Bridge Access and Tourism
In 1921, work on the first mainland bridge to the island began, with construction completed in 1922. Up to this point, the island had only been accessible by boat. The bridge helped grow commerce on Bridge Street. Today, now known as Historic Bridge Street, this famous avenue is lined with local Anna Maria Island shops, boutiques, some of Anna Maria Island’s best restaurants, and art galleries.
The bridge also brought more tourism development, including golf courses, hotels, resorts, and attractions. This industry would continue to grow throughout the rest of the 20th century. Today, Anna Maria Island continues to see tourism exploding, with nearly 4 million visitors annually. In 2024, Travel + Leisure magazine named the island among the 50 Best Places to Travel.
Hurricane Impacts
Although hurricanes can pass through the area during hurricane season, Anna Maria Island has rarely felt the full effects of these storms over the past several decades. For instance, Hurricane Donna in 1960 brought winds up to 100 mph to the area; however, only tree damage and flooding occurred without substantial impact. In 2004, three hurricanes hit the area–but again, Bradenton and surrounding areas were spared any extensive damage.
In September 2017, the massive Hurricane Irma luckily decreased in intensity as it neared Anna Maria Island, downgrading to a Category 2 when it reached the island. While some severe damage was done to the City Pier, many establishments were relatively unscathed.
Preserving the Island’s Heritage
Founded in 1990, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society preserves the rich history of Anna Maria Island. It holds documents, publications, and other items of historical importance. Two years later, it opened to the public and now operates the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.
Today, the Museum presents artifacts and other displays dating back to pre-settlement days, early settlement times, and throughout the 20th century. You’ll find the original City Jail and a cottage that once stood on the Pier. While no property or structure on AMI has a historical designation, many buildings erected in the 1800’s still stand today and can be seen along Bridge Street and around the island.
Celebrating Tradition on Anna Maria Island
The tradition continues to be celebrated on Anna Maria Island in the form of festivals and other events. For instance, the historical society celebrates Anna Maria Island Heritage Day in March, hosting museum tours and living history exhibits along with food, live music, and more. In February, the annual fishing festival marks the area’s seafood heritage; in addition to various seafood cuisines, you’ll enjoy music, exhibits, and a craft fair. Every October, BayFest celebrates life on AMI with a street festival marked by live music, food vendors, local artist displays, and a car show.
Where to Stay
Anna Maria Island Inn is as unique as the place it calls home, with eight beachfront and ocean-view locations, such as Haley’s and Driftwood, featuring King and Queen rooms and 1-bedroom suites. Each location offers flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, sleeper sofas, balconies and patios, lounge areas, pools, and BBQ grills. Some rooms even feature a kitchenette!
If you’re visiting Anna Maria Island as a couple, you’ll find the perfect stay; many of our accommodations sleep two, and there are lots of romantic things to do on Anna Maria Island, such as spas and sightseeing tours. Other rooms sleep 4-6 guests, so you can find the perfect place when traveling with your family. Best of all, Anna Maria Island Inn locations are situated near many museums, shops, and other historical sites, so you can plan to learn all about the stunning island during your visit. Book your stay today!
