Punta Gorda, the "Broad Point" of Spanish Conquistadors, is Charlotte County's only incorporated city. Celebrating its 104th anniversary this year, (reprinted from an article written in 1990) the charming fishing village of about 12,000 people traces its roots to its 1513 discovery by Ponce de Leon.  Calusa Indian strongholds thwarted early Spanish attempts at colonization, however, and the area was slowly settled as the English migrated up Charlotte Harbor and onto the banks of the Peace River.  In 1885, Isaac Trabue bought the land from a group of British investors and founded the town of Trabue.  The name was never well accepted, and reverted back to the Spanish version within two years.

 Punta Gorda's colorful past is celebrated annually with the reenactment of Ponce de Leon's 1513 landing on the banks of Charlotte Harbor.

   Charlotte Harbor, the Peace River and about 50 miles of navigable waterways make Punta Gorda a waterfront paradise, and the city endeavors to retain the pristine character that attracts people to Southwest Florida.  Environmental restrictions help keep the waterways unspoiled.  Historic preservation is a priority: Plaques on numerous historic landmarks and buildings bear testament to the work of the Charlotte Harbor Area Historical Society.

   As neighboring Port Charlotte continues its development and retail boom, Punta Gorda has secured State Historic District status to ensure that the old-time charm of the city is left intact.  The West Marion Avenue Streetscape program is preserving the historic atmosphere with brick lanes, flower boxes, benches and street lamps bordering rows of shops, restaurants  and motels, all within walking distance of Charlotte Harbor.  Spanish style clapboard tin-roofed homes with airy verandas, gingerbread woodwork and raised floors bear witness to the fishing village architecture of old Punta Gorda.

* Excerpts from Charlotte County Newsletter