Anna Maria Island

The City of Anna Maria was the first community on Anna Maria Island, and to this day it is a central gathering area full of exciting destinations, things to do, and historical sites.

Although the area attractions many tourists for its incredible views of the clear blue ocean waters, fun walkable dessert shops and restaurants, and waterfront piers, it’s the City of Anna Maria history behind it all that makes the trip really worth it.

The Native American and Spanish Discoverers

Before the first permanent settler arrived on the island, Anna Maria Island was discovered by the local Caloosan and Timucan Native American tribes. Later on, it was also discovered by Spanish explorers including Hernando de Soto who passed by the island in 1539.

The island was settled by Madison Post, a Tampa mayor who named the island after his sister in law Anna and his wife Maria. Although Cuban fisherman and others visited the island and settled there temporarily, George Emerson Bean was the first permanent resident.

George Emerson Bean and Charles Roser

In 1892, Bean set up his homestead on the northern tip of the island in a scenic beach area that is now known as Bean Point. His former home sat in the area where the Rod and Reel Pier exists today, another scenic waterfront area. Bean laid the foundation for the initial settlement of the surrounding area which would later become the City of Anna Maria.

After Bean passed away in 1898, ownership of his land transferred to his son, George Wilhelm Bean. He partnered with Charles Roser to further the development of the island and see his father’s legacy fulfilled.

The Anna Maria Beach Company

Roser and Bean created the Anna Maria Beach Company together which developed the streets and further laid the foundations for the area to be developed. Interestingly, Roser is also credited as being the person who founded the Fig Newton and made much of his fortune through that invention, which he later used to invest in real estate in Florida.