Introduction
Port Salerno, an unincorporated community in Martin County on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a place where history and identity are profoundly tied to the sea. Once a quiet fishing village, Port Salerno today embodies a blend of maritime tradition, multicultural heritage, and small-town resilience. While not as large as neighboring Stuart or Palm City, it has long played a critical role in shaping the region’s economy, particularly through its fishing industry. This article explores the historical journey of Port Salerno, from the earliest indigenous inhabitants to its modern-day standing as a culturally rich and close-knit community.
Early Native American Presence
Before Europeans ever set eyes on the shores of the Treasure Coast, the Ais and Jaega tribes inhabited the land that now includes Port Salerno. These indigenous groups thrived by exploiting the rich coastal and estuarine ecosystems. They built villages near rivers, inlets, and coastal lagoons, utilizing dugout canoes to navigate between settlements and fishing grounds.
The archaeological record shows shell mounds, middens, and pottery fragments, testifying to centuries of occupation. Fishing, shellfishing, and hunting were primary food sources, supplemented by gathered plants and cultivated crops. The abundance of the St. Lucie River and Atlantic waters made the area highly favorable for habitation.
The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, however, led to dramatic shifts. Epidemics introduced by Spanish explorers and slavers decimated the local population. By the 18th century, many of the original inhabitants had disappeared, displaced, or absorbed into other Native groups. shutdown123