Mile 277 - Fort Pierce, the Sunrise City

As of January 8, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Steps: 653335
Miles: 278.12


Old Fort Pierce Park is the site of Fort Pierce, a military installation constructed by the U.S. Army in Florida with the purpose of being a main supply depot for the army during the Second Seminole War. The modern town of Fort Pierce derives its name from this installation.


Fort Pierce, named for its first commander Benjamin Pierce (I wonder if he was known as "Hawkeye"?), was built in 1838 and abandoned in 1842 at the end of the Second Seminole War, burning down the following year.


Today, the site is a park along the Indian River. The park is also the site of an ancient burial mound of the Ais Indians.


The Ais, or Ays were a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the Atlantic Coast of Florida. They ranged from present day Cape Canaveral to the St. Lucie Inlet. They lived in villages and towns along the shores of the great lagoon called Rio de Ais by the Spanish, and now called the Indian River.


By 1743, when the Spanish established a mission among them, the Ais numbers were declining due to slave raids, disease and rum. The Ais were gone from the area by 1760.


Water transportation, fishing and canning of fish were key to Fort Pierce’s early economy. Pineapple was once king, but was replaced by citrus. As the city matured, Fort Pierce developed into the economic commercial hub of the Treasure Coast.


As the years passed, Flagler's railroad in the early 1900's brought people to this area and to South Florida. Fort Pierce became a prominent town on the East Coast of Florida. During World War II, Fort Pierce Beach served as a Navy Base. Downtown Fort Pierce has remained constant during the growth and boom periods over the last 100 years.


Before...

...and After - As you can see, its not always "paradise".


...and coming very soon... New York Mets Spring Training! In Port St. Lucie, Florida you can see the "amazing" New York Mets square off against many major league teams.