Treasure-laden ships frequently passed through nearby waters, and shipwrecks along the Treasure Coast gave the area its enduring name. The Spanish Crown maintained its claim until Britain briefly gained Florida in 1763, only for Spain to regain it in 1783. Florida ultimately became part of the United States in 1821. These centuries of shifting imperial power laid the geopolitical groundwork for later American settlement.
Frontier Life in the 19th Century
Following U.S. acquisition, South Florida remained sparsely settled. The Second Seminole War (1835–1842) brought military activity to the region, with forts established along key waterways. The wars with the Seminoles delayed settlement but also opened lands for future agricultural and fishing endeavors.
By the mid-19th century, small homesteads began to appear in the wider Martin County area. Families engaged in subsistence farming, cattle ranching, and fishing. The environment was challenging, with hurricanes, mosquitoes, and swampy terrain deterring rapid development. Nevertheless, the promise of fertile soil and rich waters eventually attracted permanent settlers.
Birth of Port Salerno
The founding of Port Salerno as a distinct community occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally known as “Salerno,” the settlement was named after the Italian city of Salerno by Italian immigrant fishermen who settled in the area. These settlers brought maritime traditions and a sense of cultural identity that distinguished the town from others along the Treasure Coast.
Fishing quickly became the lifeblood of Salerno. Its location on the Manatee Pocket, a natural harbor connected to the St. Lucie River and Atlantic Ocean, made it ideal for fleets of fishing boats. Italian, Bahamian, and other immigrant groups built a community rooted in hard work and the rhythms of the sea.
By the early 20th century, Salerno’s reputation as a fishing hub was firmly established. The name was later changed to Port Salerno to emphasize its maritime character and distinguish it from other towns. shutdown123