Manatee River Railroad Bascule

Manatee River Railroad Bradenton: Exploring the Historic Line

The Manatee River Railroad Bridge, located in Bradenton, Florida, is a vital link for freight transportation in the Tampa Bay region. This historic bridge, which spans the Manatee River, has facilitated trade and industry since its construction, playing a critical role in the development of the area. Serving as part of the CSX Transportation's Palmetto Subdivision, the bridge connects the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, allowing for efficient transport of goods and services between these bustling communities.

Constructed with metal through girders and a single leaf bascule, or rolling lift, the Manatee River Railroad Bridge showcases an impressive combination of strength and practicality. Designed for seamless operation, the bridge's sophisticated engineering allows trains to safely and efficiently traverse the Manatee River. As an integral part of Florida's transportation infrastructure, this historical structure has greatly impacted the state's economic development, underscoring its significance in regional history.

In recent years, the Manatee River Railroad Bridge has gained further recognition for its proximity to Bradenton's Mineral Springs Park, which has been designated as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This connection to a crucial chapter in American history adds an additional layer of significance to the bridge's role in the region, further highlighting its importance as both a transportation asset and a historical landmark.

History of Manatee River Railroad

Manatee River Settlement

In the 1870s, the area along the Manatee River, once occupied by "Ft. Braden," experienced an influx of new residents. Land investor and local business owner Major Turner petitioned for the community to have its own name, leading to the establishment of what is now known as Bradenton, Florida¹.

Civil War and Railway Expansion

The East and West Coast Railway opened on May 3, 1915, starting at the Seaboard Air Line Railroad's (SAL) line through Bradenton, just south of the Manatee River². This nearly 50-mile line ran southeast, closely following the current route of State Road 70. The railway expansion connected Bradenton to Tampa Bay and contributed to the area's growth throughout the 20th century.

CSX and Chessie System

Over time, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad became part of the CSX Corporation. CSX, a well-known rail transportation company in the United States, has its roots in various railroad companies, including the Chessie System and SAL³. CSX played an essential role in maintaining and expanding railway connectivity in the Manatee River region and the Tampa Bay area.

Seminole Wars and Palmetto

The Manatee River area also played a crucial role during the Seminole Wars. The region was one of the primary battlegrounds between the United States and the Seminole Native Americans throughout the 19th century. As a result of the conflicts, the nearby city of Palmetto was established in the 1860s, further contributing to the historical significance of the Manatee River and its surroundings⁴.

Geographical Features and Connections

Manatee County and Sarasota County

Manatee River Railroad Bridge, located in Bradenton, Florida, connects Manatee County and Sarasota County. The Manatee River serves as a natural border between these two counties. It plays a vital role in transportation, and the surrounding areas offer various recreational activities, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas.

Lakewood Ranch and Tampa Bay

Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community, lies partially in Manatee County. This area benefits from its proximity to the Manatee River and Tampa Bay, offering residents a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. The river also feeds into the larger Tampa Bay, which serves as an essential transportation hub for the region, connecting its various ports and waterways.

Venice and Fort Myers

Venice and Fort Myers are both coastal cities along the Gulf of Mexico, situated to the south of Manatee County. These cities benefit from their proximity to the Manatee River and its estuaries, offering numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Moreover, the Manatee River contributes to a broader regional ecosystem, supporting a diversity of marine life and ecosystems throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Reflections of Manatee and Angola

The Manatee River area has a rich history filled with stories of Native Americans and escaped slaves. One significant historical site is the Reflections of Manatee, located in the Old Manatee neighborhood east of US-301, which showcases 19th and early 20th-century buildings constructed by early settlers.

A key aspect of the region's cultural heritage is Angola, a once-prosperous community of Maroons (escaped slaves) that existed along the Manatee River near the Manatee Mineral Springs Park from 1812 until Florida became a US territory in 1821. The Angola settlement extended from where the Braden River meets the Manatee River down to the Sarasota Bay, housing up to 750 residents at its peak.

New College of Florida and Anthropology

The Angola community and its history have captured the interest of researchers from the New College of Florida, including esteemed Anthropology professor Uzi Baram. These researchers have been studying the history and cultural significance of the Angola settlement, as well as the interactions between Maroons, Seminole Indians, and other native communities in the region.

Their findings not only shed light on the past but also provide valuable context for understanding the modern-day culture and identity of the communities surrounding the Manatee River area, from Bradenton to Sarasota and even as far as Miami and the Bahamas.

In conclusion, the Manatee River area, including Old Manatee and the lost community of Angola, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. This heritage is continually explored and illuminated through ongoing research and scholarly efforts from institutions like the New College of Florida and anthropologists like Uzi Baram.

Heritage Sites and Attractions

Manatee Village Historical Park

Manatee Village Historical Park is a collection of historic buildings and artifacts that showcase the rich history of the area. The park includes key landmarks such as:

First Manatee Courthouse (1860): The oldest courthouse structure in the region.
Manatee Cemetery: Established in 1850, it bears witness to the lives of early settlers.

Visitors can explore the park and learn about the day-to-day life of Bradenton's pioneers as well as its Native American heritage.

Carnegie Library

The Carnegie Library, located within the Manatee Village Historical Park, was one of the many libraries funded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It served as the community's main library from its opening in 1918 until a new library was built in 1978. Today, the building houses the visitor's center at the park.

County Courthouse

The Manatee County Courthouse is a historic building that was designed by architect Ezekiel Glazier and opened in 1860. Currently, the courthouse is still in use and functions as a vital part of the local community. Its unique architecture and history make it an important heritage site in Bradenton.

Iron Block Building

Constructed in the 1890s, the Iron Block Building is located in Bradenton's historic downtown area. It is one of the few remaining buildings made from lead-coated cast iron, which was a popular construction material during that time period. This architectural gem adds to the rich historical tapestry of the city.

In addition to these primary heritage sites and attractions, other notable places of interest include Reflections of Manatee, a Riverfront Park where visitors can explore the area's history, and Braden Castle, an intriguing historic site nestled within the Terra Ceia Village.

By visiting these historic sites and attractions, interested individuals can delve into the fascinating past of Bradenton and the Manatee River Railroad.

Impact of Railroad on Local Economy

Development and Subdivisions

The introduction of the Manatee River Railroad in Bradenton played a significant role in the growth and development of the area. This transportation system facilitated easy access to goods, services, and increased possibilities for trade and commerce. The railroad attracted settlers who further contributed to the formation of new subdivisions, such as Reflections of Manatee.

These subdivisions transformed previously underdeveloped regions into thriving hubs, boosting the local economy. Moreover, the railroad served as a crucial link for the transportation of essential commodities like lumber, grain, and mail, which facilitated business expansion and prosperity throughout the region ²(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_and_West_Coast_Railway).

Maroons and Sugar Plantations

During the 19th century, the Manatee River region witnessed the escape of enslaved African Americans, known as Maroons, seeking refuge in Florida. The area's rich history involves places like Mineral Springs Park, which has received historical designation as part of the National Parks Service, acknowledging its role in the Underground Railroad ⁴(https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article228129794.html).

This period also saw the growth of sugar plantations in the region, which significantly contributed to the local economy, providing employment opportunities and fostering agricultural development. The railroads played a pivotal role in transporting goods from these plantations to various markets, further encouraging the agricultural sector's progress.

Overall, the Manatee River Railroad in Bradenton had a substantial impact on the local economy, stimulating growth and development, and positively influencing the birth of new subdivisions and agricultural opportunities.