More information about Stuart, FL

Location, location, location. Stuart, Florida was recently voted one of the best small towns in the United States primarily because of its proximity to the Atlantic, the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. It also has some cool history!

History

Stuart is in the center of the Treasure Coast. This dates back to the mid-1700s when several Spanish galleons were shipwrecked in the immediate area as the result of a hurricane. Since then some of the unknown quantities of gold and silver have indeed been recovered. Yet another exciting chapter in history is the pirate Pedro Gilbert. In 1832 he used a sandbar right off the coast to lure unsuspecting ships. One such attempt failed, they captured Gilbert and executed Gilbert and his crew. That sandbar today is named Gilbert’s Bar on all nautical charts. The first settlers came to the Stuart area in 1870. It was called Potsdam until 1895 when the name was changed, after the railroad came through, to honor a local landowner. The town was incorporated in 1914 and was in Palm Beach County. In 1925 it was named the county seat of the newly created Martin County.

Stuart Today

Stuart is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World because of the many sailfish found in the Atlantic right off the coast of Stuart. Home today to about 19,000 residents, Stuart is about 100 miles north of Miami and a pinch over 100 miles south of Cape Canaveral. Considered an intracoastal city, Stuart has an island sitting to the immediate east off shore in the Atlantic and the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon wrapping around the other two sides. The water is pristine for scuba diving and snorkeling. You will share your beach with sea turtles and you don’t need a boat to see dolphins because they will swim right by you. Heading to the historic downtown area you will be met first by a huge fountain shaped like, yes sir, a sailfish. With the tallest building at four stories it has maintained a small town feel. The majority of the restaurants and retail shops are all locally owned featuring a nice mix of upscale and affordability. They follow guidelines to maintain the character of the historical downtown and the neighboring waterfront. There are many activities and events scheduled in the downtown area alone if you tire of the beach. Or you can head up or down the coast and find absolutely anything the family is looking for in entertainment. Ranging from water activities that are too numerous to mention to unique wetlands landscapes and the waterfowl and animals that go along with that environment you will never get bored. Stuart is a terrific place to call home. Just ask Greg Norman or Celine Dion. It continues to grow due to the enormous amount of amenities that are accessible for any and all ages. Visiting? Well, try catching a sailfish or scuba diving for some Spanish treasure. Indeed, something for everyone!