Sanibel Island’s Historic Wulfert Point

Sanibel Island’s historic Wulfert Point has a fascinating legacy that stretches all the way back to 1888, check out the story here!

Sanibel’s Historic Wulfert Point

Sanibel’s historic Wulfert Point has its own unique Sanibel Story. In 1888 the first homesteaders Oliver Fellows Bowen and his wife, Mary Dos Santos set up home off Bowen Bayou. Others to follow were Mason and Anna Dwight, Thomas Holloway, and Josiah Dinkins. Josiah Dinkins created the Wulfert Cemetery which still exists. Quickly joining the group were homesteaders Louis and Jennie Doane who were incredible assets to the area. They set up the first post office and built the first dock. The dock was the area’s only communication to the outside world so it was vital to the settler’s survival. Many of the population were farmers producing fruit and vegetables, with the majority being tomato farmers. The dock played an important role in their ability to sell their produce.

By 1920 the population had grown to approximately 50. Sadly, strong hurricanes in 1921 and 1926 flooded the island with saltwater leaving the soil ruined. Many of the settlers left the island, unable to sustain their agricultural lifestyle.

In the 1920’s wealthy businessman Clarence Chadwick moved to Captiva. He invested in many homestead properties, purchasing 400 acres of land on Wulferts Point. He was joined by another investor, John Oster. Oster was famous for inventing the Osterizer blender. Oster purchased the Holloway House which he moved to Sanibel Captiva Road where it stills sits as the White Heron House.

Bill and Stella Micthell also moved to Wulfert in the 1920s. Their house still stands next to The Mad Hatter Restaurant. They also owned the Castaways and SandCastles Resort. In the late 1960s, their son was selling off the land they had accumulated. He came to an agreement with the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and the newly formed preservation group was able to purchase some of the land to save it from development. That land is now the Mitchell Preserve.

WWII saw Wulfert Point semi-abandoned again. It was a target for bombing! By the 1970s new investors had come along and purchased 400 acres of the land. They wanted to develop a private community and golf course but sadly, had an acrimonious struggle with the city until 1982. A compromise was finally made ensuring at least 200 acres had to be given to the J.N Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. In 1982 The Sanctuary was born and Wulferts Point became the thriving community it is today.

Directions

When you drive over the Sanibel Causeway turn left on Periwinkle Way at the four-way stop. Follow Periwinkle down Tarpon Bay Road and take a right. When you reach Sanibel Captiva Road (at the end of Tarpon Bay Road) take a left and follow Sanibel Captiva Road all the way down to Blind Pass.

Wulfert Point
Sanibel, FL 33957

Learn About Sanibel History
Learn About Blind Pass Beach
Learn About Fishing On Sanibel

About Jennie Doane

Jennie Doane was of huge importance to the development of Wulfert Point. Not only did her and her husband build the first dock so trade was possible but, she was also the first postmistress. As the postmistress, she transported more than 1,000 crates of fruit and vegetables a week. A strong, independent-minded woman Jennie was opinionated and an advocate for women’s suffrage. She believed women had the right to dress according to the job they held and often wore pants under her skirt. Jennie passed away at age 65 and was one of the oldest residents of Sanibel having lived at Wulfert Point for 40 years.

Learn About Another Unique Female Sanibel Pioneer

Restaurants Near Wulferts Point

The Mad Hatter
6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0033
Visit The Mad Hatter Website

A fun and eclectic restaurant perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion. Reservations are definitely needed.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Sunset Grill Restaurant on Sanibel Island

Sunset Grill
6536 Pine Ave, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2333
Visit The Sunset Grill Website

An intimate cottage atmosphere with great views of the sunset, serving upscale seafood-focused American fare. The Sunset Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining