In the late 1860s, land was cleared and tilled for commercial farming. Flooding and cheaper shipping from the mainland ended most farming on Sanibel in the 1920s.

Clarence Rutland’s home is characteristic of Sanibel architecture from the late 1800s through the next few decades. The Walker Guest House and St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church are notable architectural examples from later years.

Completion of the causeway in 1963 led to unprecedented population growth on Sanibel.

Commercial farming thrived until major hurricanes and a new causeway transformed island trade. Sanibel commerce has since been driven by tourism and building construction.

The Community House was built by island volunteers in the late 1920s. It hosts Sanibel’s annual Shell Fair and island civic and social events.

Named in honor of its principal advocate, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the country’s largest mangrove ecosystems. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was organized after Darling’s death to carry on his conservation work.

The first tax-supported school was built in 1892. A segregated school for black children opened in 1927. In 1964, the current Sanibel School became the first in Lee County to be racially integrated.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum presents extensive shell collections and addresses the many ways mollusks and their shells are important in nature and to mankind.

By the 1920s, there were massive commercial catches off Sanibel. Visiting sport fishermen launched Sanibel’s hospitality industry.

In 1974, islanders voted to incorporate. As a new city, Sanibel adopted a land use plan that has become a landmark for conservation-oriented city planning.

For many years, beginning in the late 1890s, Sanibel’s hotels and boarding houses were destinations for visitors who sometimes would stay the whole winter.

The Sanibel Lighthouse began operation in 1884 to warn ships of a sandbar that had damaged many vessels. In 1942, a detachment of Coast guardsmen was stationed here to watch for enemy landings.

Early homesteaders are buried at the Sanibel Cemetery. These pioneers prevailed over hurricanes, mosquitoes, heat and humidity. Gavin and Walker families were among Sanibel’s first people of color to settle.

In 1982, the Rutland House was moved to city property. It opened as Sanibel’s first historical museum.

In 1982, the Rutland House was moved to city property. It opened as Sanibel’s first historical museum.

Saturday night socials, shared meals, fishing, beach walks, shell collecting and playing baseball were popular recreational pursuits for early settlers.

In 1968, Shirley Walters asked a veterinarian to help her treat an injured bird. The establishment of CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, would soon follow. Sanibel Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the American Alligator, West Indian Manatee, Bottlenose Dolphin, Gopher Tortoise and nearly 300 bird species.

In 1917, the Sanibel Community Church was built by island volunteers. Organized as an independent congregation, it served as a center for island get-togethers.