Captiva Island’s Historic Cemetery

Learn the fascinating but tragic story of Captiva’s historic cemetery and discover some of the stories it has to tell.

Captiva’s Historic Cemetery

Captiva’s historic cemetery is a small piece of land, approximately 2 acres located next to the Chapel-By-The-Sea. It was founded in 1901 due to the death of a very special young girl. In 1895 a couple called Hattie and Herbert Brainerd moved from Canada to Buck Key. Buck Key is across the channel from Captiva. The Brainerds were some of the first settlers with their young children Ann and Gordon. Hattie and her daughter Ann would often take a boat across to Captiva to a raised spot in the land where Ann loved to watch the sunsets. Most of the land at that time was owned by Captiva’s first known settler, William Herbert Binder. Ann happened to meet Mr. Binder and charmed him with her enthusiasm and love of this little parcel of land. Taken by her energy and tenacity, Binder gave Ann the small piece of land in exchange for a gold coin her grandparents had gifted her when she left Canada. Tragically, not long after the exchange Ann stepped on a rusty nail and died of tetanus. Her devasted parents buried her on her little plot of land in 1901. Sadly, Hattie and Herbert went on to lose 10 more infant children 6 of whom are buried close to Ann. Hattie and Herbert are also buried at the cemetery and, as he had no family, William H. Binder is included in the Brainerd family plot near to his special friend, young Ann. Her grave is of note as it has a lamb on top of the stone.

Directions

Head down Captiva Drive until you come to Sunset Captiva Drive, take a left and follow the road down the the Chapel By The Sea, the cemetery is adjacent.

Captiva Cemetery & Chapel By The Sea
11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva, FL 33924

Learn About Sanibel & Captiva History
Learn About First Captiva Settler William H. Binder
Learn About The Historic Sanibel Cemetery
Learn About Allison Hagerup Beach

Residence of Note

Alison Hagerup
A remarkable public servant, Alison Hagerup worked for the Captiva Erosion Prevention District for 20 years. She was instrumental in lobbying for beach re-nourishment projects and was known as a strong advocate for the preservation of the beaches. Her work is responsible for much of the Islands’ beauty. Sadly, she passed away in 2008 however her spirit lives on through the amazing beaches one which is named in her memory.

Lloyd A. Wright
A long-time island resident, Lloyd Wright began investing in property on Sanibel and Captiva in 1963 which began his company Rochester Resorts. He owned The Beachview Cottages, Sanibel Island; The Castaways at Blind Pass, Sanibel Island and ‘Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island, and had stock in many other properties on the islands. A much-loved resident, he was known for his larger-than-life personality, humility, and incredible generosity. He was instrumental in developing the SCCF and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.