Historical Markers – Reminders of Marco Island’s Past

I go by these historical markers almost every day and sometimes I stop and read the inscription, trying to imagine what it was like on this site not so very long ago. 

For present day modern Marco these historical markers and their messages are obscured by the backdrop of large coastal contemporary or Tuscany style homes with manicured lawns and well-trimmed hedges. The roads in this neighborhood are named after Marco’s early pioneer days – Indian Hill, Caxambas, Olds, Barfield, Kirk, Ludlow, Doxsee, and Addison. 

For this article, I will be highlighting the historical markers in the Estates area of Marco Island.

The Pineapple Marker is located on South Barfield Drive across from Wesley United Methodist Church and next to the old Fire Station. Fred Ludlow of Ohio developed a pineapple plantation that consisted of over 100 acres. At that time, it was believed to be the largest pineapple plantation in the state. At its peak he employed 20 workers and a packing house, and the plantation extended as far as San Marco Road at the current Shops of Marco.

The Pineapple Marker’s inscription: “Pineapple Plantation, 1901 – 1905. Early Agricultural venture; plantation and warehouse on Caxambas Ridge. Hurricane with salt water surge destroyed crops and soil.”

The Pineapple Marker was adopted by the Calusa Garden Club and members planted bromeliads around the marker.

An original work of art, “The Pineapple King,” by Marco Island native and well-known artist Jarrett (JJ) Stinchcomb captures the spirit of Marco’s pioneer families and pineapple growing history and can be viewed in the Marco Island Historical Museum’s open-air gallery as part of the Windows and Doors to History Exhibit.

The Caxambas Cemetery is on Inlet Drive between Travida Terrace and Olds Court. The marker reads: “Circa 1890 -Primitive Cemetery used by Caxambas settlers. Typical of internment practice of early Florida.”

Kirk Archaeological Site at Olds Court and Inlet was named for Bud Kirk who discovered it and was said to have written the description for the marker: “Calusa Indian Burial Mound with artifacts and bones dating back to ancient times. Ancient Spanish maps indicate fresh water in the area making Caxambas one of the oldest named places in North America.” It is very easy to miss the Kirk Archaeological marker as it is located under a Royal Poinciana Tree and often times the branches shield the marker from view.

The Burnham Clam Factory is on Inlet Drive after passing Osceola provides historical context. “1904 – 1929, Original Clam Canning Factory which gave much economic stability to Caxambas until clam beds were depleted.”  Historical records showed that it closed when their dredge sank in 1929. It was later reopened by J. Harvey Doxsee.

While Otter Mound, on Inlet and Addison, is not a historical marker, it is very near the Burnham Clam Factory. It’s famously known for the whelk shell walls found throughout the property. Archaeological survey shows that Calusa Indians occupied the property around 750-1200 A.D. 

On Scott and Indian Hill, you will find the Indian Hill and Barfield Homesite marker. “Originally ‘The Heights’ (51 feet) Highest Elevation in SW Florida. Site of the Heights Hotel – 1908; Home of Jim and Tommy (sic) Barfield. Mrs. Barfield was very important in the development of Caxambas, Marco Island and Collier County. Caxambas School – site of early school 1890 – 1928.”

According to Austin Bell, Curator of Collections for the Marco Island Historical Museum, “the historical markers are important public reminders of our shared past. First installed in 1976, the markers themselves are now practically history.”

Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum and view the Calusa Gallery, Pioneer Exhibit, Modern Marco and the Windows and Doors to History makes for a perfect finish to your marker tour.