Barron Gift Collier Sr., was a self-made millionaire whose vision reshaped Southwest Florida.
Collier was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1873. At age 16, he quit school to work for the Illinois Central Railroad, but his entrepreneurial spirit quickly led him to greater ventures. He founded his own advertising and publishing business, which included the well-known Collier’s Magazine.
By age 26, he had revolutionized streetcar advertising and become America’s largest streetcar advertising firm owner, amassing a fortune in the process. But his achievements extended far beyond advertising:
- Was appointed New York City Public Safety Commissioner
- As commissioner, he invented the use of white lines on streets to separate traffic and discourage jaywalking (a cause of many fatalities at the time)
- Founded Interpol, the international investigations agency still active today
The Florida Vision Takes Shape
In 1911, at 38, Collier made his first Florida land purchase: a 3,000-acre plot on Useppa Island for $100,000. This marked the beginning of his love affair with the Sunshine State. By the early 1920s, Collier had acquired vast tracts of land in southern Lee County, totaling an astonishing 1.3 million acres at just 25 cents per acre – a $325,000 investment (equivalent to over $5 million today).
To bring people to his Florida developments, Collier founded the Trailways Bus Line, operating routes from as far north as Atlanta. This forward-thinking approach demonstrated Collier’s understanding that successful development required comprehensive infrastructure and transportation solutions.
The Birth of Collier County
In 1923, Collier approached the Florida State Legislature with a proposal:
1. Create a new county from the southern portion of Lee County
2. Name it after him
3. In exchange, he would complete the Tamiami Trail from Lee County to the Dade County line.
The state, facing bankruptcy at the time, agreed. On May 8, 1923, Collier County was born. At its creation, the county was larger than the state of Delaware and home to fewer than 1,200 residents.
Building the Tamiami Trail
True to his word, Collier invested over $7 million of his own money into completing the Tamiami Trail – a 275-mile road connecting Tampa and Miami. Some key facts about this monumental project:
• Completed in 1928
• Challenges: Vast stretches of swampland, alligators, and mosquitoes
• Innovation: Collier introduced the first mechanized equipment to the Everglades
Transforming Naples: From Sleepy Town to Coastal Gem
While developing the entire county, Collier had a special focus on Naples:
• In 1925, Collier bought most of Naples for $620,000 from Ed Crayton, widow of Naples’ first developer
• He invested in paved streets, a newspaper, telephone service, and a railroad connection
• Built iconic landmarks like the Naples Hotel and the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
• Dredged Naples Bay and Gordon Pass to improve marine access
Beyond Development: Collier’s Lasting Impact
Baron Collier’s contributions shaped every aspect of life in the new county:
1. Education
– Established the county’s first schools
– Paid teachers’ salaries during the Great Depression
2. Public Services
– Founded the county’s first bank
– Established fire and police departments
– Built the county’s first hospital
3. Economic Diversity
– Invested in agriculture, particularly tomato and citrus production
– Promoted commercial fishing and tourism
4. Conservation
– Set aside land for what would later become the Big Cypress National Preserve
– Advocated for the preservation of the Everglades
The Collier Legacy Today
Collier County has grown exponentially since its founding:
• Population: From 1,200 residents in 1923 to over 385,000 today
• Size: Second largest of Florida’s 67 counties, covering 2,026 square miles
– Stretches 64 miles east from the Gulf of Mexico
– Extends 45 miles north from Cape Romano to mid-Bonita Beach Road
– Just 8 square miles smaller than Palm Beach County, Florida’s largest
• Economic Impact: County GDP exceeds $19 billion annually
• Tourism: Naples welcomes over 1.8 million visitors each year
• Conservation: 80% of Collier County’s land is preserved
As you explore Naples and Collier County today, you’re witnessing the realization of one man’s extraordinary vision. From the bustling streets of downtown Naples to the expanses of protected wilderness, Baron Collier’s legacy is everywhere. His foresight transformed a remote, swampy coastline into one of Florida’s most desirable destinations.
You can learn more about Collier County on the Naples Trolley Tours.