Naples history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of modern Naples begins in the late 1880s. The city was founded by a former general and senator from Kentucky, John Stuart Williams, and his partner, publisher Walter N. Haldeman. Inspired by the beauty of the local coastline, the founders and promoters named the settlement after the Italian city of Naples, claiming in promotional brochures that the local bay surpassed the famous Italian gulf.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of the small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, with extensive beaches and a mild tropical climate, predetermined the city's destiny as a resort destination.
• Maritime Connection: In the early decades, Naples was accessible only by water. The construction of a pier in 1888 was a critical event, allowing the reception of steamships carrying tourists and supplies.
• Overcoming Isolation: A powerful impulse for development came with the arrival of land transport. The arrival of the Atlantic Coast Line railway in 1927 and the opening of the famous Tamiami Trail in 1928 connected the city with Miami and Tampa, opening it up to a mass flow of travellers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since its foundation, the economy of Naples has been built around tourism and recreation. The city was initially positioned as a winter residence for wealthy Americans seeking privacy and comfort. Cultural life in the early period revolved around outdoor leisure, hunting, and sport fishing. This orientation towards luxury tourism and a high quality of life laid the foundation for the modern image of the city as one of the most prosperous places in Florida.

City Development Timeline

• 1886 — The first settlers, Roger Gordon and Joe Wiggins, establish themselves in the territory of the future city, which was accessible only by sea at that time.
• 1888 — Construction of the first pier and the Naples Hotel is completed, officially opening the era of tourism in the region.
• 1923 — Naples receives official status as a municipality (town), beginning the formation of local government bodies.
• 1927 — The Atlantic Coast Line railway arrives in the city, ensuring reliable transport connections with the north of the country.
• 1928 — Traffic opens on the famous Tamiami Trail, connecting Tampa and Miami via Naples.
• 1943 — A military airfield is founded, which was subsequently converted into the civil Naples Municipal Airport.
• 1949 — A new charter is adopted, officially securing "city" status for Naples and defining its modern boundaries.
• 1960 — Hurricane Donna causes serious damage to infrastructure, stimulating large-scale reconstruction and modernisation of buildings.
• 1962 — The administrative centre of Collier County is moved from Everglades City to the East Naples area, raising the city's political status.
• 1989 — The Philharmonic Center for the Arts (now known as Artis—Naples) opens, becoming the region's main cultural venue.
• 2022 — The historic pier and coastal zone suffer destructive impact from Hurricane Ian, after which the restoration process begins.

Major Development Milestones

The evolution of Naples from an inaccessible fishing village to a world-class elite resort passed through several critical stages. These events shaped the modern economic and architectural appearance of the city.

• Opening of the Tamiami Trail (1928). The completion of the highway connecting Tampa and Miami through the Everglades swamps was a turning point. This event ended the city's geographical isolation, opening it to automobile tourism and commercial logistics, which gave a powerful boost to the regional economy.
• Airport Transformation (1940s). After World War II, the military airfield was transferred to the city and became a civil airport. This decision was of strategic importance: the ability to receive private jets and commercial flights cemented Naples' status as a convenient destination for affluent travellers and business people.
• Transfer of the Administrative Centre (1962). Moving the capital of Collier County from Everglades City to East Naples radically changed the political and economic weight of the city. This led to the growth of the administrative sector, the appearance of law firms, and the development of related urban infrastructure.
• Urban Planning Modernisation after Hurricane Donna (1960s). The destructive element forced the city to revise building codes. Lightweight wooden structures were replaced by modern concrete constructions, setting a new standard for safety and architectural style characteristic of today's Naples.
• Development of the Port Royal District (1950s–60s). The realisation of Glen Sample's ambitious project to create the Port Royal district turned mangrove swamps into one of the most expensive residential zones in the USA. This formed the city's image as a "millionaire's paradise" and attracted unprecedented investment in real estate.
• Cultural Breakthrough (1989). The opening of "The Phil" (now Artis—Naples) marked the transformation of the resort city into the cultural capital of Southwest Florida. The appearance of the philharmonic and art museum attracted the intellectual elite and made the city attractive for permanent residence, not just for seasonal holidays.
• Renaissance of Fifth Avenue (1990s). A large-scale revitalisation programme for the central street, Fifth Avenue South, under the leadership of architect Andres Duany, turned the fading centre into a lively pedestrian space with restaurants and boutiques. This project became a benchmark for successful urbanism and brought life back to the heart of the city.

Architectural Evolution: From Cottages to Luxury Villas

The architectural appearance of Naples differs strikingly from classic American metropolises. There are no skyscrapers here blocking the sun, and urban planning is subordinate to the idea of harmony with tropical nature and the ocean. The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each bringing its own unique style, forming today's atmosphere of "resort elegance".

Pioneer Era: "Old Florida" Style (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The earliest buildings in the city belong to vernacular architecture, adapted to the hot and humid climate before the advent of air conditioning. This style is often called Old Florida.

• Characteristic features: Wide verandas to protect walls from the sun, high ceilings for better air circulation, use of local heart pine and cypress, and pile foundations for protection against floods.
• Landmark object: Historic Palm Cottage (1895) — the oldest surviving house in Naples. It is a classic example of frame construction of that time and is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The 1920s Boom: Mediterranean Revival

With the arrival of the railway and the development of automobile transport in Florida, the Mediterranean Revival style became popular, designed to create the atmosphere of the European Riviera and attract wealthy tourists.

• Characteristic features: Stucco facades in pastel tones, arched windows and doorways, red clay tile roofs, use of wrought iron elements, and internal courtyards.
• Landmark object: Naples Depot (1927) — the building of the former Seaboard Air Line railway station. It combines functionality with the aesthetics of the Spanish Colonial style, which was typical for the booming Florida of the "Roaring Twenties".

Post-War Modernism and "Water" Layout (1950s–1970s)

After World War II and especially after the destructive Hurricane Donna (1960), wooden construction gave way to durable concrete structures. Large-scale development of coastal mangroves and the creation of artificial canals began.

• Style: Florida Ranch and Mid-Century Modern. Architecture became lower to the ground, with simple lines, panoramic glazing, and the integration of living space with the pool and patio.
• Landmark district: Port Royal. This elite district was designed by Glen Sample so that every plot had access to deep water for mooring yachts. This defined the unique layout of the southern part of the city — a labyrinth of peninsulas and canals.

New Urbanism and Revitalisation (1990s – Present)

At the end of the 20th century, Naples became one of the main platforms for implementing the principles of "New Urbanism", aimed at combating chaotic development and creating a comfortable pedestrian environment.

• Concept: A return to traditional urban planning — rejecting faceless shopping centres in favour of cosy streets with shops on the ground floors, wide pavements, fountains, and abundant landscaping.
• Landmark project: Reconstruction of Fifth Avenue South. Under the guidance of the renowned architect-planner Andres Duany, the main street was transformed into a benchmark resort promenade, combining neoclassical and modern Mediterranean motifs.

Modern Trend: Coastal Contemporary

Today, private development in Naples is dominated by the Coastal Contemporary style. This is an evolution of traditional architecture towards minimalism and technology.

• Features: Flat or low-pitched roofs, a light colour palette (white, grey, sand), straight geometric lines, and maximum use of glass to completely erase visual boundaries between the interior and the tropical landscape.

Notable Personalities of Naples

Thanks to its status as an elite resort and high standard of living, Naples has attracted successful entrepreneurs, artists, and sports stars throughout its history. Below are key figures who have left a mark on the city's history or chosen it as their home.

Founders and Visionaries

• Walter N. Haldeman — City Founder and Publisher.
  Owner of the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper, who in the late 19th century was the first to see the tourism potential of the wild coast. He acquired vast lands and financed the construction of the first pier and hotel, effectively launching the development of Naples as a resort.
• Glen Sample — Developer and Urban Planner.
  The man who changed the geography of the city in the 1950s. Sample invested millions of dollars in draining mangrove swamps to create the Port Royal district. His vision of an ideal community for yachtsmen formed the modern image of Naples as one of the wealthiest cities in the USA.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Donna Summer — Singer, "Queen of Disco".
  Legendary performer and winner of 5 Grammy Awards. Summer lived in Naples during the final years of her life, enjoying privacy and tranquillity away from show business.
• Robin Cook — Science Fiction Writer and Physician.
  Recognised master of the medical thriller genre and author of bestsellers, many of which have been adapted for the screen. Cook chose Naples as his place of residence, splitting his time between Florida and New Hampshire.
• Mary Higgins Clark — Writer.
  Famous American writer and author of detective novels, whose sales exceeded 100 million copies. She long owned a winter residence in Naples, where she drew inspiration for her plots.

Sports and Television

• Larry Bird — Basketball Legend.
  One of the greatest players in NBA history, who spent his entire career with the Boston Celtics. Like many wealthy athletes, Bird acquired property in Naples for relaxation after concluding his sports career.
• Judy Sheindlin — TV Presenter and Lawyer.
  World-famous as "Judge Judy". She is one of the city's most recognisable residents, frequently visiting local restaurants and shopping centres, and actively participating in social life.
• Mike Ditka — NFL Coach and Player.
  Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ditka not only lives in the city but has also integrated into local business by opening a popular steakhouse, which has become a point of attraction for sports fans.

Philanthropists

• Tom Golisano — Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
  Founder of Paychex. His contribution to the city's development is immense: thanks to his donations, the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples was built, becoming an important educational centre for the region.