Marco Island, Barrier island city in Southwest Florida, United States
Marco Island is a Gulf Coast island in Southwest Florida that belongs to the Ten Thousand Islands group. Residential neighborhoods spread along canals, and several public beaches line the western shore with their light sand.
The Calusa lived in the region for centuries until Spanish seafarers arrived in the 16th century and gave it the name San Marcos. Modern settlement began in the 19th century after settlers gradually opened up the land.
The name comes from Spanish San Marcos and recalls early explorers, while today docks and canals shape the townscape. Residents often use waterways like roads, and many homes have direct access to the sea.
Two bridges connect the island to the mainland and make arriving by car straightforward. Tigertail Beach in the north and South Beach further south are the main beaches with parking and facilities for visitors.
The excavations of 1896 brought Calusa finds to light, including tools and pottery from the time before European arrival. Today local museums display some of these finds and offer insight into early life on the island.
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