History of Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is known as the area's Theater and Arts District, but it started out a bit differently. Scottish aristocrat James Hamilton Gillespie was believed to have built America's first golf course in Sarasota. A Scot, missing golf so much he built a course in America? Go figure. Thanks to him, millions of "golf widows" spend countless mornings and afternoons power shopping or getting the newest facial. John Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus fame, made his mark on Sarasota in a much more colorful way. First, he built a grand house called the Ca d'Zan (house of John), on Sarasota Bay. Then he used circus elephants to build the bridge to St. Armands Key. Plus, he and his wife started the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, one of America most well knows art museums. In 1927, Sarasota became the winter quarters for his circus performers. With all this creative and inventive history, it's no wonder Sarasota became such an artistic and cultural city. Main Street is filled with great restaurants and art festivals, while Palm Avenue boasts distinguished art galleries and Pineapple Avenue is home to well known collectible shops. The cultural activities and experiences awaiting you in Sarasota are endless, and the beaches are just a short distance away.