Community Sunday Favorites: A Town Within His Mind

Most folks have heard of Fogartyville, which was located at the end of present-day 26th Street on Riverview Boulevard, but not many people can pinpoint the site of

Christ Episcopal Church at Willemsenberg in 1889.

Willemsenburg, that is, if the colony ever really existed at all. For one man, Willemsenburg was just a dream – or as fate would have it, a lost opportunity. However, friends and neighbors catered to his inspiration and gave him naming rights for a school and a church. 

Johan Willemsen and his wife Sara Jane emigrated from Germany and made their way to the Manatee section during the 1860s. Johan, known as John to locals, adopted the American way of life, even serving his newfound country during the Civil War. 

Johan had dreams of starting his own colony, which is why the couple settled at a particular plot of land near present-day 26th Street. The location was just far enough from the town of Manatee (present-day east Bradenton) to become a settlement. Because it was strategically located near the Manatee River, a wharf would serve as the quay where the couple planned to build a store, shipping and receiving their wares from the already reputable steamboat commerce.  Johan called his settlement Willemsenburg. It was to be the only town west of Manatee. 

But as fate would have it in 1865 a fishing boat was passing the Manatee River offshore when a severe storm struck the area. The increasing winds and falling barometer worried the Captain, John Fogarty, who chose to seek shelter rather than risk his cargo and crew. 

While approaching Tampa Bay, the crew spotted a small vessel in distress. They saved the two men aboard but couldn’t prevent the boat from sinking, as large waves submerged its deck. It sank, and Fogarty and is men welcomed their new mates. But with extra mouths to feed and few provisions, Fogarty waited until the weather abated and then scouted the area for supplies. He had heard of a nearby village named Manatee. 

Fogarty took in the beautiful scenery as the crew made their way up river. In Manatee, they found a general store, which was operated by Rev. Edmund Lee. He was impressed by store inventory, and purchased the entire stock of supplies for $40. 

The following year, Fogarty and his three brothers returned to the area, homesteading on the South side of the river, between two creeks. They quickly established a boat works and a mercantile store over the water. They thought they were the only family in the area, but then they discovered they shared the section with Johan Willemsen.

Willemsen Academy built in 1887

Upon their arrival, Johan’s dreams of establishing a town were shattered. According to the Singing River by Joe Warner, Johan ”resented their intrusion, realizing with all their building activity, they would build a town before he did.“

By 1875, at least six more families joined the Fogarty settlement, which was now known as Fogartyville. Willemsen hurried plans to develop his town when he noticed the growth in the neighboring community. In 1877, he purchased 40 acres from the Government. Willemsenburg now consisted of three houses and an unfinished hotel. The builder had died before it was completed. 

By 1880, Fogartyville had grown to thirty families. Up until 1885, church-going families had been meeting in various homes for Devotionals. Seeing the need for a church, John Fogarty donated a portion of land for the construction of a small church and chapel calling it St. Luke’s Chapel. However, several Catholics were scattered among the two settlements and had no place to call their own, and in an effort to outdo his rival, Johan happily donated and deeded one and a half acres for a ”proper impressive“ church. It was completed in 1889 on what is now 26th Street.  

So impressive was the new structure, that to Johnan’s delight, St. Luke’s was abandoned and everyone began attending services at the Christ Episcopal Church at Willemsenburg. A small group of Methodists moved into St. Luke’s shortly after.

Throughout the county, roads were being constructed to connect rural settlements scattered throughout. In 1885, the bridge across Ware’s Creek was completed, the last obstacle for the conclusion of a road connecting Braidentown to Fogartyville. It was called Manatee Avenue. But that year, a major thoroughfare also arrived in Willemsenburg. Sarasota Avenue, (present day 26th Street) ran right in front of Johan’s home, which delighted the immigrant to no end. He quickly began plotting streets and lots for Willemsenberg. He also donated land for a much-needed school. 

Willemsen Academy was constructed in 1887. All the children in the area attended classes at the small school. A bell tower alerted children when school commenced.

Fogartyville unofficially extended to the front door of Johan Willemsen’s home by the time he died in 1902. His dreams of founding a major town died with him. He was buried next to his wife, Sara Jane, who had preceded him in death in 1895. They were buried in the courtyard of the Episcopal Church he had help establish. 

Years later, Fogartyville would also disperse and eventually become part of Bradenton, but many believe the town of Willemsenburg was only a figment of Johan’s imagination, and never really recognized as a town by anyone but Johan. What do you think? 

Sources: The Singing River by Joe Warner