Largo’s Rich History

Located on the West Coast of the Florida peninsula, Largo is a fast-growing city on the move. Its current population is a far cry from the city's beginnings.

Largo was one of the first places settled along the coast. 1n 1842, the Federal government passed the Armed Occupation Act which provided 160 acres of land for anyone who would live on the land for five years and agree to serve in the military, if needed. The McMullen and McKay families took the opportunity and settled in what was to become Largo. The McMullen’s settled around the north side of a large lake called Lake Tolulu; the three McKay brothers were each awarded 160 acres along a creek in the southwest area.

ln 1859, Captain John Thomas Lowe sailed into Clear Water Harbor, past the old Fort Harrison, and proceeded south passing McKay Creek. He brought his coastal schooner, the Sea Drift, toward shore. Where he made landfall would be called Lowe's Landing.

In 1861, many Florida residents joined the American Civil War defending the State's coastal waters as blockade runners and members of the Cow Cavalry.

Anona's first church and school opened in 1874 on land donated by Captain Lowe. The settlement of Anona was a rugged and hard place to live; a tough breed of early settlers stayed and slowly built the area.

In the early 1880s, a new industry began --- citrus!

Largo Train Station

Oranges and grapefruit grew well here; the new business expanded, but slowly. Things, however, were about to change ... the railroad was coming from Tampa and points north! In 1888, the narrow-gauge Orange Belt Railroad came to the small settlement of Largo. From then until the end of WWl, Largo's train depot shipped more citrus than any other depot in Florida.

Largo's first school was built in what is now Ulmer Park in 1890. In 1897, Meigs Cemetery became Largo Cemetery.

As Florida grew, Largo grew and business leaders Taylor, McMullen, Belcher and Ulmer would take full advantage of this new opportunity. Citrus could now be shipped rapidly to the North, cattle ranching became a major business, and Florida's pine trees produced an abundance of turpentine. The tiny settlement of Largo would now begin its long journey toward the city it is today.

1n 1905, Largo became the fourth incorporated area in West Hillsborough County. 1910 John Gainey built the Feed Store of rusticated block and heart of pine timber. On January 1, 1912, through the successful efforts of State Senator and citrus magnate, John S. Taylor, Pinellas County was formed from West Hillsborough County. 1n 1912, the first edition of the Largo Sentinel is published. The town’s first public library opened in Ulmer Park in 1914. That same year, a brand-new brick schoolhouse opened on Second Avenue. In 1917, the first Largo Fair was created thanks to the efforts of the enterprising ladies of the Women's Club.

When the U.S. entered World War 1, many of Largo's young men enlisted. In 1918, Ralph Heisler, Worth Johnson, and Burton Belcher would lose their lives in support of the war efforts. Donegan's Dairy began operations in 1924; at the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, C. E. Donegan accepted war bonds as payment for the purchase of his Guernsey bulls. A surplus military Quonset hut became the Largo Theater in 1948.

Throughout most of the early 20th century, citrus, cattle, and dairy were Largo's predominant industry. Two long, hard winter freezes, in 1957 and again in 1962, however, brought about the demise of the citrus industry; population growth and the need for homes and businesses ended most cattle ranching and dairy farming. In 1957, a new Largo High School opened on Missouri Avenue to serve the ever-increasing young population.

Largo's population boomed in the 1960s when major businesses like Honeywell and General Electric opened large industrial plants in the area. At the same time, many of the "Greatest Generation" were retiring and found Largo a wonderful place to enjoy their golden years.

1974 Largo High School Band of Gold won 2 gold medals at World Music Competition in Holland; four years later, crowned World Champions. 1977 Heritage Village opens. 1979 LAHS published first history book, "Largo, then ...'til'

The Community Center, built in 1930 as a WPA project, was destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day, 1988.

1995 Largo Central Park opened at former site of John S. Taylor Packing House

2005 New library opened adjacent to Largo Central Park; 2005 LAHS published "FROM PINES AND PALMETTOS" in celebration of the City's centennial; 2013 New million dollar recreation center opened on Highland Avenue; 2014-2016 Largo received "Best Place to Live ... Work ..... and Retire " honors!

October 17, 2023
Largo Area Historical Society celebrated its 50^th Anniversary!

John S Taylor citrus packing plant in Largo