INDIAN RIVER COUNTY History
Historically, Indian River County has given us much to learn and appreciate. Each industry has played an integral role in the community we live in today. The railways, arts, ecology preservation and land development hold importance within the Treasure Coast.
Indian River County’s beginnings started in the 1840’s when settlers arrived. Initial industry and population growth was due to the implementation of the Florida East Coast railway and the Drainage District. When the Florida East Coast railway began servicing Vero Beach in 1893, it allowed industries such as the citrus growers to benefit from quicker shipping times and higher efficiency. The Drainage District was created in 1905 and transformed uninhabitable wetlands into sought after land. The Fellsmere Farm Company founded in 1910, and the Indian River Farms Company founded in 1912 were two of the most successful land companies in Indian River County.
Real estate has been an ongoing up and down market and Florida has been no exception. In the 1920’s, businesses starting booming, and money was to be had by all. Along with the growing wealth, real estate costs began to rise to amazing heights through 1925. Once it reached its peak, the buying ceased. To make matters worse, hurricanes ravaged south Florida and the infamous stock market crashed in 1929. Although cities south of Indian River County were devastated, our area remained less scathed.
The 1920’s brought great notoriety to Indian River County and Orchid Island. Indian River County’s fruit had become so well known that other citrus growers outside of the county would label their fruit as “Indian River” to increase sales. The true Indian River growers vowed to stop the misuse of their county’s name and in 1930, the Federal Trade Commission issued a cease and desist to all citrus growers outside of the county using “Indian River” on their fruit. To this day, Indian River County citrus is still a sought after commodity and Hale Groves offers fruit gift packages that can be shipped so that even those that live outside of our area can enjoy the taste that has made Indian River famous.
As the arts are well loved and easily accessible to us now in Indian River County, this privilege didn’t come without a fight. Amongst many differences that Vero Beach had while under St. Lucie County’s rule, it was the ban of goods and forbidding of movies on Sundays that forced Vero to strive for separation. The first theater, The Strand, was built in 1917 and was replaced in 1924 by the Florida Theater. Despite the law banning movies on Sundays, they continued to operate nonetheless. Finally, in 1925, Indian River County was initiated and so was our right to enjoy the arts. Since then, the growth of the arts has done nothing but surge. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild held its first production in 1958 and the Vero Beach Concert Association began its first season in 1966. Riverside Theatre opened its doors in 1974, and the Center for the Arts debuted in 1986.
The Vero Beach Art Club was founded in 1936 and continues to encourage artists and art lovers in our community. They offer scholarships, outings to other museums and art exhibits, as well as educational courses. Be sure to check out one of their art shows or exhibits and bask in the history and talent that this organization houses.
Preservation has always been a core element of Indian River County. In 1903, the Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge was established with the sole purpose of preserving local birds and their habitats. It has the privilege of being named the very first national wildlife refuge. Keeping with these initial efforts, whenever development growths plans were developed, they made large strides to re-use and preserve the natural beauty of the area. This astounded other areas where urbanization was blind to natural preservation. The National History Preservation Act of 1966 began Indian River’s efforts to register historical places and locations. To this day, we are fortunate to have the Indian River County Historical Society defend and protect the elements of our history.
McKee Botanical Gardens has been gracing Indian River County with its lush landscaping and beauty since 1929. The founders, Waldo Sexton and Arthur McKee, created what was then called the McKee Jungle Gardens, which both then and now, boast indigenous flora and a relaxing atmosphere. The preservation of the beautiful local ecology has always been a priority to Indian River County’s residents.
Waldo Sexton was also responsible for many other historical sites that still exist in Indian River County today. The Ocean Grill Restaurant established in 1938 and the Patio Restaurant had its beginnings in 1945. Both establishments now offer its customers wonderful food choices along with an ambiance that can’t be duplicated. The walls are lined with artifacts from his travels and the visual interest is astounding.
After the war, in 1949, the Dodgers named Vero Beach as the location for their new Spring Training facility. As the years passed, this stadium became a renowned landmark and people traveled from near and far to attend the games and enjoy the small town, yet beautiful stadium. After 59 years of providing amazing entertainment, the Dodgers moved their Spring Training to Arizona but the memories will remain steadfast.
All of our day-to-day activities stem from the hard work and dedication of our founders. Educating ourselves on the history of Indian River County and doing our part to maintain its beauty are responsibilities that can be enjoyed by all.
