Manatee County History

The area known today as Manatee County has been home to Native Americans for thousands of years. It holds a significant place in colonial history as well; the southern mouth of the Manatee River is believed to be the 1539 landing site of the De Soto Expedition. Today, this historic location is preserved as the De Soto National Memorial by the U.S. National Park Service.

Establishment and Partitioning

Manatee County was officially created on January 9, 1855, from a portion of Hillsborough County. At its inception, it was significantly larger than it is today, encompassing territory that now makes up Charlotte, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, and Sarasota Counties, and a part of Lee County.

As the region developed, these areas were partitioned off to form independent counties. DeSoto County was established in 1887, followed by a major reorganization in 1921 that created Charlotte, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, and Sarasota Counties.

Historical Records and Research

The Manatee Genealogical Society published a book in 1985 titled Extractions from Manatee County Censuses of 1860 - 1870 - 1880 - 1885 – 1895, authored by Mabel Schneider (Chairman), Lucille Ford, Paul Rehnborg, Elinor Rehnborg, Helen Richeson, and Peggy Wetsel, members of the Manasota Genealogical Society. This book provides information about Manatee County's history from 1842 to 1889, covering early migration to the county and some of its early settlers. The history is organized and chronicled by decade (1842 - 1889).

Navigation: Explore Early Manatee History

Use the links below to explore specific eras and reference maps:  

Photo credits: Courtesy of the Manatee County Historical Records Library from its Bradenton Herald Manatee County Historical Society Photographs administered by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller; Courtesy of the Manatee County Historical Records Library administered by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court Comptroller: https://manateeclerk.catalogaccess.com/home.