History of Vero Beach, Florida

Long before the great development of the region began, Vero Beach was already prosperous. The town was forging its own path and thriving in the area that would become Indian River County. In the middle of the 19th century, the phenomenon of colonization began. It is from this time that the town as we know it today was forged. Discover the key moments and the personalities that contributed to it. Familiarize yourself with the history of Vero Beach, Florida.

How Did Vero Beach Florida Get Its Name?

The first pioneers settled in Vero in the early 1880s. The best known among the early settlers of Vero is Henry T. Gifford. At the end of the 19th century, Gifford built a house. It is now located near the present town hall. Vero’s first commercial shop, which also served as a post office, was established by that same man.

It was his partner Sarah who gave the town its name. She chose this Latin name which means Truth. It was very symbolic for her, and the name Vero was approved.

The city of Vero Beach was recognized in 1925. One of Vero’s most prominent citizens lobbied for the creation of a new county. They named it the Indian River. Subsequently, Vero was designated as the seat of the county. That is when it was named Vero Beach.

How Was Vero Beach Founded?

Henry Flagler’s goal was to build a railroad to the town of Key West. His dream soon became a reality. The railway provided agricultural products, building materials, and kitchen utensils. Florida was thus made accessible to all. The region developed very fast thanks to faster and more efficient transportation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Indian River Farms Company undertook an ambitious land-clearing program. It purchased 44,000 acres of land in what is now Indian River County. As part of this effort, the company developed a business plan that aimed to make Vero Beach the most bemused town in the area. This vision finally came to fruition in 1913.

The president of the Indian River Farms Company was a major contributor to the success of the vision. Two years later, he launched a campaign for the beautification and renovation of the town of Vero Beach. It is to him that we owe the beauty of the neighborhoods we know today.