History of Cape Coral, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 8, 2024

Cape Coral, located in Lee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, is a rapidly growing city. As of 2020, its population reached 194,016, a significant increase from 2010. With an area of 120 square miles, it stands as the largest city between Tampa and Miami in both population and area. It also serves as the principal city within the Cape Coral-Fort Myers Metropolitan Statistical Area. A remarkable feature of Cape Coral is its extensive network of over 400 miles of navigable waterways, surpassing any other city worldwide.

1957: Founding of Cape Coral

Cape Coral was founded in 1957 by two brothers, Leonard and Jack Rosen.

1957: Rosen Brothers Discover Redfish Point

In 1957, the Rosen brothers flew over Redfish Point and decided to purchase the land for development.

May 1958: First Homes Built

In May 1958, the first four homes in Cape Coral were completed.

1958: Development Begins

In 1958, the Rosen brothers began developing Cape Coral as a planned community.

1963: Population and Infrastructure Growth

By 1963, Cape Coral's population reached 2,850, with significant progress in construction and infrastructure development.

1964: Cape Coral Bridge Opens

The Cape Coral Bridge opened in 1964, significantly improving transportation to Fort Myers.

August 18, 1970: Incorporation of Cape Coral

Cape Coral was officially incorporated as a city on August 18, 1970.

February 1992: Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park Opens

Mike Greenwell's amusement park opened in February 1992.

2000: Language Demographics

As of 2000, 87.18% of Cape Coral residents spoke only English at home.

2002: Library Holdings

In 2002, the Cape Coral Lee County Public Library held 175,000 books.

2008: Real Estate Slowdown

Starting in 2008, Cape Coral's rapid growth was impacted by a regional real estate slowdown.

2009: Discovery of Nile Monitor

The Nile monitor, an invasive species, was discovered in Cape Coral in 2009.

2010: 2010 Census Household Data

According to the 2010 census, there were 56,313 households and 40,405 families in Cape Coral.

2010: 2010 Census

The 2010 census recorded Cape Coral's population as 154,309.

December 2012: Lee County VA Healthcare Center Opens

The Lee County VA Healthcare Center opened in December 2012, providing various medical services to veterans.

2016: Major Employers

In 2016, the top employers in Cape Coral included Lee Memorial Hospital, Lee County School System, Publix Supermarkets, the City of Cape Coral, and Walmart.