Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is divided up into three municipalities: the City of Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach in the south. Each of these cities has its own distinct atmosphere and personality but they’re all definitely worth visiting.
The City of Anna Maria was developed in 1892 by George Emerson Bean and his family, who gave their names to the incredible Bean Point. Moving down the island, Holmes Beach was homesteaded by Sam and Annie Cobb in 1896, and their daughter Anna Maria was the first non-Native child born on AMI.
Anna Maria Island’s history actually dates all the way back to 1000 A.D. The first recorded settlements on AMI belonged to the Caloocan and Timucuan American Indian Tribes, who maintained reputations as ferocious warriors, farmers, and fishermen. Their lifestyles were interrupted in 1521 by explorer Ponce De Leon, who is said to have landed on the island and named it Anna Maria Island in honor of Maria Anna, who was Queen to King Charles II of Spain.
The City of Anna Maria was the first community on Anna Maria Island, and to this day it is a central gathering area full of exciting destinations, things to do, and historical sites.
Although the area attracts many tourists for its incredible views of the clear blue ocean waters, fun walkable dessert shops and restaurants, and waterfront piers, it’s the City of Anna Maria history behind it all that makes the trip really worth it.
The City of Anna Maria was developed in 1892 by George Emerson Bean and his family, who gave their names to the incredible Bean Point. Moving down the island, Holmes Beach was homesteaded by Sam and Annie Cobb in 1896, and their daughter Anna Maria was the first non-Native child born on AMI.
Although Cuban fishermen and others visited the island and settled there temporarily, George Emerson Bean was the first permanent resident.
After Bean passed away in 1898, ownership of his land transferred to his son, George Wilhelm Bean. He partnered with Charles Roser to further the development of the island and see his father’s legacy fulfilled.
Roser and Bean created the Anna Maria Beach Company together which developed the streets and further laid the foundations for the area to be developed. Interestingly, Roser is also credited as being the person who founded the Fig Newton and made much of his fortune through that invention, which he later used to invest in real estate in Florida. The Anna Maria Beach Company also developed the famous 678-foot pier which still stands today at the end of Pine Avenue.
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