Fort Pierce, Floride city traces its origins to 1838, when Lt. Col. Benjamin K. Pierce, the brother of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, built a US Army fort here during the Second Seminole War. Early settlers depended on the river for trade and travel until the Florida East Coast Railway arrived in the late 19th century. The town grew slowly and had just under 2,000 residents by 1915. World War II ended Fort Pierce’s solitude. From 1943-46 the city was the site of a Navy base that brought thousands of trainees to town.

Today, there is the new Manatee Observation and Education Center, the restored Old City Hall, and a brick-paved traffic circle that provides a new entrance to the city’s riverfront and marina. Restaurants, clubs and shops contribute to a thriving, colorful downtown. Held the first Friday of each month in downtown Fort Pierce, Friday Fest never fails to draw a crowd. Nevertheless, Fort Pierce retains much of its old-Florida charm. In addition to first class Fort Pierce hotels and restaurants, citrus packing houses abound and fine old homes line scenic Indian River Drive. Beautiful winter weather, lush tropical foliage and several miles of beaches attract thousands of "snowbirds" each year. Motorists crossing the bridge to South Beach get a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon and the Fort Pierce Inlet.

Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County and the home of the main campus of Indian River Community College. St. Lucie County is in the initial stages of what promises to be exciting and continuing growth. It fosters a favorable business climate and some of the nations largest companies are opening branches and facilities in the area. Conveniently located just 30 minutes north of Palm Beach County, it is a short commute to the many attractions of North Palm Beach. Fort Pierce Real Estate is in demand and many excellent investments are to be found here. Relatively undeveloped, St. Lucie County offers more house for your money. It's proximity to the Indian River, Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean make the area irresistible to beach, boating and water enthusiasts.