On October 25th and 26th, 2023, historical figures from Fort Pierce's past will tell their stories all throughout the downtown area. This annual living history tour is a fun way to learn about the people that settled in this area before the conveniences of air conditioning, mosquito control, and modern transportation.
Each Year, Main Street Fort Pierce organizes a cast of volunteer characters to play roles or to guide participants throughout downtown Fort Pierce to hear the stories of the past through unique tours during this two-evening event.
Each tour is $12 per person. Tours are geared toward an older audience but all ages are welcome. This is a very popular event that sells out each year so registration is required and can be made online at mainstreetfortpierce.org or by calling 772-466-3880.
Please note routes and characters are subject to change and participants should arrive 5-10 minutes before their scheduled tour. Tour start locations will be staggered along the routes - please watch your emails closely for your confirmation and assigned location. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and comfortable dress and shoes are recommended for the half-mile trek.
The first tour begins at 5:30 PM. Tours leave every 15 minutes after the first tour and the last tour leaves at 7:30 PM.
Wednesday, October 25th
EDGARTOWN TOUR
Check in: Main Street Office, 122 A.E. Backus Avenue, Fort Pierce, 34950
Stops include:
- Dr. & Mrs. Platts (rural doctor, 1st SLC Schools Superintendent, & entrepreneur)
- Zora Neale Hurston - Anthropologist & renowned author
- Edgartown founding families - Mrs. Lagow & Mrs. Bell
- Edgartown neighborhood happenings - the Comstocks
- Mose Metzger - Local fisherman
- Alfred Hair - Florida Highwaymen Artist
- Annie Hogg - Built 1st trading post in area (PP Cobb building)
- Henry Flagler & Harry Hill - Railroad tycoon and local photographer
WATERFRONT TOUR
Check in: Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church (Indian River Drive)
Stops include:
- St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Cora Stickney Harper and the Daughters of the American Revolution
- 1715 Fleet & Treasure Hunting
- Fort Pierce Hotel, Tyler Family
- WWII Frogmen Training
- Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce & the Fort
- Governor Dan McCarty & his wife Olie
- Captain Bravo & the river steamboats
- Peter Cobb & Cobb's Store
Thursday, October 26th
NORTH 2nd STREET TOUR
Check in: Check-in: P.P. Cobb Building
Stops include:
- History of Fort Pierce Women's Club
- Mr. & Mrs. Charles McCarty - frontier family
- Ashley Gang
- Mr. & Mrs. Flagler & the East Coast Railroad
- Will Tucker & the Tarpon Saloon
- William Hatcher - Florida Land Boom Era architect
- Sheriff Dan Carlton & the downtown shootout
- Fee Family & Fort Pierce Bank Building
PEACOCK ARTS TOUR
Check in: First United Methodist Church (Avenue A Parking Lot just east of 7th Street)
Stops include:
- Daniel Knowles - Railroad engineer
- Fort Pierce 1st Methodist Church - Sanctuary tour
- Churches on Orange
- Mary Ann Carroll - Only female Highwaymen Artist
- Decades of memories - Arcade Building
- Adams Family - Florida Supreme Court Justice & Florida Cattle Ranching
- James Paine - Early postal carriers & historic Fort Pierce Post Office
SOUTH 2nd STREET TOUR
Check in: Check-in: Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd Law Firm
Stops include:
- Bill Jones & the Boston House
- Courthouse Stories
- Edwin & Alice Binney - creator of Crayola Crayons
- Doc Anna - Florida Pioneer Doctor
- A.E. Backus - Florida landscape artist & humanitarian
- Sunrise Theatre through the decades
- Sunrise Theatre auditorium ghost light
- Charles Miley - Long time local reporter
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the Main Street Fort Pierce website or call 772-466-3880.
