Sanibel Island’s Lindgren Boulevard

Sanibel Island’s Lindgren Boulevard, a road you have likely traveled, is of incredible significance to the Sanibel & Captiva story, find out why.

Sanibel’s Historic Lindgren Boulevard

One of the most pleasing feelings is cruising across the Sanibel Causeway. You know are on your way to a beautiful paradise full of sun-soaked fun, gorgeous beaches, and great dining. The view on your drive is breathtaking on both sides and the drive allows you to indulge in a feeling of freedom. This was not always the case, until 1963 there was no Sanibel Causeway and the only way to get to the island was by boat. So who is responsible for creating the causeway and bringing so much happiness to so many? The answer can be found in the road adjacent to the causeway right as you hit the four-way stop. This road is called Lindgren Boulevard and is dedicated to Hugo Lindgren. Lindgren paid for the feasibility and engineering studies needed to persuade Lee County to build the causeway connecting the island to the mainland.

Directions

Lindgren Boulevard
Sanibel, FL 33957

Learn More About Sanibel History

About Hugo Lindgren

Hugo Lindgren was born in a Swedish farming village. His father was a blacksmith and Hugo worked in his shop from the age of 9. At 19, Hugo left Sweden and ended up in Jamestown, New York. He found employment at a metal factory and after only 6 years in the United States, founded Excel Metal Company with some partners. In 1943 he started his own company, Jamestown Metal Products and was met with great success in fact when the White House was refurbished in 1948, Jamestown Metal Products won the contract to install the kitchen cabinets! Hugo sold his company in 1962 but later returned to help finance the sale of the company to its employees. At this time Hugo was taking a great deal of interest in Florida, specifically Sanibel Island. He purchased property on the island and, having put a great deal of thought into it, paid for the feasibility and engineering studies needed to persuade Lee County to build the causeway connecting the island to the mainland. The Causeway opened in 1963. A generous, smart and kind man, Hugo Lindgren died at age 100 in 2003 in Fort Myers.

Learn More About Sanibel History