First residents of Pasco County were the Timucuan Indians during the 1200’s according to the burial grounds and artifacts that are found along the river.
Around 1750 Indians of the Southeast settled in the region and were known as Seminoles. French settlers from the east coast had good relations.
Spanish sold Florida to the U.S. in 1819, had a hard time with the Seminoles.
Florida became a state in 1845 pioneer life was harsh on the river due to heat, mosquitoes & yellow fever.
In 1883 Capt Richey resided on the south end of the river and operated a mail service to Anclote river and a cargo service from Anclote to Cedar Key making this an important port. Originally called Hopeville than later changed.
The later end of March one of the largest festivals in Tampa Bay area is the Chasco Fiesta. An 11 day event of art shows, live music, boat and main street parades and of course parties. The first one took place in 1922.
Port Richey was incorporated in 1925 and new Port Richey in 1924.
Thomas Meighan built his house on the river in 1927 and the world famous Hacienda Hotel opened. Meighan also built a theatre at that time.
Known as little Hollywood by many film stars who visited the Hacienda.
The Hacienda was visited frequently by residents from all over the bay area.
From the late twenties through not so distant past the communities have been visited by several Hollywood types such as: Gloria Swanson, Esther Williams, John Wayne, Erol Flynn, Billy Graham while studying bible classes in Tampa. Many others.
The little village of Anclote dates back to 1545 habited by Timucuan Indians and visited by pirates such as Cook, Gaspar and Kidd because of a sweet water well there.
Settlers started developing Tarpon springs in the 1870’s named after the abundant fish.
The closest food store was a log cabin 20 mi to the south now Clearwater
In 1887 the town of Tarpon Springs became inc. The first in Pinellas. The railroad came and Greek sponging group which 90% were British.
Safford became the most prominent citizens, building a school, donating land to churches and his sister became the first female physicians in Florida.
In the 1900’s the sponge industry shifted from Key West, Cuba & Bahamas to Tarpon making it the largest Sponge ports in the U.S.
It was then that Greek immigrants perfected the harvesting of sponges.
John Corcoris developed the first mechanized sponge harvesting boat in 1905.
