History

While being deported by steamer to Indian Territory during the Third Seminole War in 1858, Polly Parker led five other women in a daring escape that returned them to their homeland near Lake Okeechobee. AI -GENERATED IMAGE

Unconquered: Polly Parker’s daring escape

Post author:Michelle Moore
Post published:April 29, 2026
Post category:Cow Creek Chronicles History Premium Content Treasure Coast History

History almost lost her. Florida didn’t. In 1858, as the final Seminoles were being forced out at the end of the Third Seminole War, a young woman named Emateloye — later known as Polly Parker — stepped off a military steamer under the pretense of gathering medicine and disappeared into the woods. She didn’t flee alone. With five other women, she led a grueling 350-mile journey on foot, navigating wilderness and danger to return to the swamps around Lake Okeechobee. It was an act of defiance, one that helped ensure the Seminole would survive in Florida.

Heritage lives on

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:March 5, 2026
Post category:History

When Barbara “Bobbie” Secor read a newspaper article last summer about young people in Indian River County following their parents into careers in the citrus industry despite its challenges, she began to wonder.

Pierce Public Market opened in November and has delighted consumers with an indoor shopping place at 111 Orange Avenue, adding to the splendor of downtown attractions. Food, fashion, collectibles and a variety of other products are offered by some 100 vendors seven days a week. GREGORY ENNS

Year of Change

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:January 30, 2026
Post category:Fort Pierce History

Development, major improvements and great optimism still characterize what Historic Downtown Fort Pierce experienced during the past year. The long-awaited construction of King’s Landing has finally taken its first steps.

This is a view of Fort Pierce on Pine Street, now Second Street, in the early 1900s. Fort Pierce incorporated as a city in 1901. ST. LUCIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Old Florida Charm, New Horizons

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:January 30, 2026
Post category:Fort Pierce History

Fort Pierce is defined by its waterways, location, favorable subtropical climate and its people. The city marks its 125th anniversary in 2026. Fifty-three of 66 registered voters voted to incorporate on Feb. 2, 1901, naming the new town Fort Pierce after the Second Seminole War military fort located about a mile south of the present-day courthouse on Indian River Drive.

Fort Pierce’s statement of incorporation was agreed to shortly after 3 p.m. on Feb. 2, 1901.

Birth of the Sunrise City

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:January 30, 2026
Post category:Fort Pierce History

It all began with a simple notice posted on Dec. 29, 1901, at Davis Hall, the community’s main gathering place. The message was clear: all registered voters were asked to return to that same spot on Feb. 2, 1901.

The layout of Fort Pierce after being rebuilt by Maj. Thomas Childs’ Third Artillery in 1839. ANTHONY BRATINA ILLUSTRATION

Vital post

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:January 30, 2026
Post category:Fort Pierce History

The European invasion of mainland North America, by the 19th century, had forced the decimated Native American population into scattered defensive outposts. It was the prevailing opinion that the European newcomers and the indigenous residents could not coexist.

The History of Fort Pierce

Post author:Deborah Maldonado
Post published:January 29, 2026
Post category:Fort Pierce History

Discover a timeline that stretches back thousands of years, tracing Fort Pierce’s story from its earliest inhabitants to the milestones that defined the community.