Venice
Posted by: 
rogueblack
N 27° 06.003 W 082° 26.857
17R E 356492 N 2998342
The charm of Venice was planned with care in the 1880's.
Waymark Code: WM521M
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/28/2008
Views: 36
Along Venice Avenue, past the historic train depot and over the bridge, is the glamorous historic road to Venice Beach. The charming shops and park line the street, accessible to pedestrians and vehicles.
Along this walk is a historical marker telling visitors a brief history of the City of Venice. It is a double-sided marker shaded by a large southern Oak.
The marker reads:
Originally known as "Horse and Chaise", early settlers renamed this area Venice in 1888 in recognition of the many natural waterways which abound here. As a city, Venice became a reality when the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B. of L.E.) came here in 1925 and began to build a planned retirement community for its members. Designed by well known city planner John Nolen the original plan included wide paved boulevards with planted medians, small parks throughout the community, a golf course, a beachfront amphitheatre, lots reserved for schools and hotels as well as an agricultural area known as Venice Farms.
Mediterranean architecture gave Venice a unique charm. The dream died with the 1929 stock market crash. Venice lay dormat for years with Dr. Albee's Florida Medical Center, Kentucky Military Institute and the Venice Farms providing the only economic life during the 1930's. The city came to life again with the creation of an Army Air Base during World War II. The Ringling Brothers Circus relocated their winter home here in 1960. Although Venice has grown beyond the original plan many old landmarks remain as does the unique charm. A new generation now enjoys the retirement dream.
Sarasota County Historical Commission 1983
Marker Number: 1983
Date: 1983
County: Sarasota
Marker Type: Plaque
Sponsored or placed by: Sarasota County Historical Commission
Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
In your log, please say if you learned something new, and if you took any extra time to explore the area once you stopped at the historic marker waymark.
Please post a photo at the marker location.