Cruise through historic Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor, nestled between Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, has been recognized as the third-best place to live, sail, golf and retire. The community’s history reaches back to the days of Southwest Florida’s first explorers.

Charlotte Harbor gained prominence in the 1860s, as a port used for shipping cattle to the Confederate army during the Civil War. The harbor later developed trade relations with Cuba and other Caribbean islands.

In the 1990s, Charlotte County beautified the harbor to showcase its history and declared it a Community Redevelopment Area. It now hosts a variety of small shops and farmers markets.

– Elle Bancroft, intern, NHS student