A Trip To Useppa Island

Take a trip to Useppa Island and experience this serene, beautiful piece of land that has played a significant role in the nation’s history. Useppa has had guests come and go for over 10,000 years with the first being the Paleo-Indians. The next people to settle were the Calusas. Useppa went on to be used as a fishing ranchero by Cuban fishermen for several decades. There was even a rumor of an infamous pirate, Jose Gaspar. Gaspar used the island to imprison a Spanish princess named Josefa who had spurned his advances. It is said he killed her and then full of remorse, buried her on the beach. It is indicated that Useppa Island got its name from Princess Josefa as an acknowledgment of her final resting place.

By the 1900s, Useppa had become a desirable luxury retreat for politicians and celebrities. People of note took refuge on the island. Quickly one of the most prestigious fishing clubs in America was established. In 1911 advertising entrepreneur Barron Collier purchased the island. He developed it into a popular, seasonal destination for the wealthy. During World War II the island was closed. It reopened as a resort in 1946 and was operated by the Collier family until 1960.

Today the island is still privately owned. There are many ways to visit and a good place to learn and appreciate the rich history of the island is the Barbara L. Sumwalt Museum. The island is only accessible by water and you can take a tour boat across from Captiva Island.