Bradenton Was Built on Citrus, Steamships, and 59 Votes

Before it was Bradenton, it was Bradentown, and before that, it was Braidentown, a name that’s sparked more than a few myths over the years.

One of the more colorful legends claims that “Braidentown” was a marketing ploy to attract families, evoking images of women in braids and wholesome, pioneer charm. But according to The Bradenton Herald and the Manatee Historical Society, the truth is far less fanciful: the name was simply a clerical error.

In 1878, when the town applied for a post office, acting secretary Helen Warner accidentally added an extra “i” in the petition, resulting in the official (albeit mistaken) name Braidentown. The error stuck until 1905, when the U.S. Postal Service corrected it to Bradentown. Two decades later, in 1925, the city dropped the “w” and became Bradenton—just in time for Florida’s roaring land boom.

But the story of Bradenton’s origin isn’t just about spelling quirks. In 1903, 59 residents voted to officially incorporate the city (34 dissented), transforming a riverside cluster of homes and trading posts into a formal municipality. That vote set everything in motion.

According to a presentation by the Manatee County Historical Society, early Bradentown was a lively port town. A Board of Trade Report from the same era detailed the town’s economic lifeblood: more than 294,000 boxes of citrus, 15,000 bushels of oysters, and 17,000 barrels of turpentine were shipped out annually. Meanwhile, goods like cotton, salt, flour, and livestock poured in.

Among the more unique exports was Fuller's earth, a fine clay used to filter impurities from petroleum and other substances. Bradentown's earthworks operation, located near the present-day I-75 bridge, became an important source of this mineral. It was so vital to industrial refining processes that its inclusion in the Board of Trade's report reflected the city's broader ambitions as a supplier of essential natural resources.

The first city hall wouldn’t be built until 1913. Until then, council meetings were held wherever space could be found. The town ran on hustle, handwritten minutes, and civic pride. H. Walter Fuller, a key early leader, served as the city council’s first president and also penned the 1903 Board of Trade Report, proudly declaring that Bradentown had the potential to become a major shipping hub—if only it had deeper water.

Bradenton’s growth mirrored the highs and lows of early 20th-century Florida. The land boom of the 1920s brought real estate speculation, rapid development, and rising civic ambition. But by the late 1920s, the bottom fell out. The Great Depression hit hard. According to A. Sterling Hall’s presentation to the Manatee Historical Society, the downturn was so severe that grass grew between the bricks on Manatee Avenue—a main artery of town—making it resemble a quiet field more than a commercial corridor.

Despite the hardships, Bradenton pushed forward. In 1943, the city officially absorbed its neighbor and predecessor, the town of Manatee. The long-anticipated consolidation came after years of discussion and ultimately unified both communities under one government—preserving the legacy of Manatee Village while expanding Bradenton’s footprint and future.

From citrus groves and turpentine stills to post office typos and civic ambition, Bradenton’s roots are as Florida as they come: a little rough, a little lucky, and full of character.

So as the city marks its 122nd birthday this Monday, May 19, it’s worth remembering the people, industries, and decisions, both messy and momentous, that helped shape Bradenton into the city it is today. Here's to 59 votes, a lot of grit, and the enduring charm of a riverside town with big dreams.

Read the full historical presentation from the Manatee County Historical Society here: https://mymanatee.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16681coll2/id/6839/rec/11