PORT TAMPA

NAME: Port Tampa
COUNTY: Hillsborough
ROADS: 2WD
GRID: 3
CLIMATE: Fine
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime 		COMMENTS: Many people still live here since the town went from city to suburb. Take DaleMabry south towards MacDill Air Force Base and turn right on Interbay. When you get to the RR tracks turn left to Port Tampa. The old downtown area will be immediately on your left after you pass the renovated bank building (now a library). If you continue on you enter the wharf area. There is nothing left of the wharf. Industry has taken over everything along the bay.
REMAINS: Downtown area, Bank, many original homes, a couple of famous places where Teddy Roosevelt stayed.
Port Tampa, which was also known as Passage Point or Black Point, was established in 1887 as the end of the Henry Plant Railroad line. Plant wanted more control of his passangers for his steamboat line. Here, about 1888, the train would pull right out on the dock where Plant had built two hotels (now gone) the St. Elmo and the larger Port Tampa Inn. Guests would step off the steamship right on the pier (also gone) and either go to the hotel or the train. I know that some feel this does not qualify as a ghost town however the little city was a nine mile trolly ride down the Interbay peninsula from Tampa where by 1891, 205 ships brought 136,000 tons of goods in to port. Cigar factories and stores as well as the homes for port workers, railroad employees, and hotel staff. Most homes are still there today. By 1910 the port was no longer a prime location since most were traveling by boat on up to Tampa. The town stopped growing and ceased to have a legitimate function as a RR and steamship company town for Henry Plant. The area of the port is totally industrial now. In the 1961 the City of Tampa took the area over and Port Tampa City ceased to exist as a town. This was over much opposition by the proud residents of Port Tampa. This port also was made famous by being the selection as the debarkation point for the Spanish-American War invasion of Cuba. The soldiers were quartered in the area of the adjacent park and Teddy Roosevelt and his staff stayed at several homes here. Submitted by: Mike Woodfin


Notice how the train went out on the pier next to the two hotels. picture courtesy Florida State Achieves


Captain Harry G. Warner and Cora Belle Armstrong Warner, homestead circa 1892
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Above is the Johnson/Wolff House. built in 1885 it was one of the homes that Teddy Roosevelt slept in. H.J. Johnson died of yellow fever taking fever victims to Tampa for treatment. He was Chief Harbormaster at the time. This house is listed on the National Historic Register.
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Downtown Port Tampa was along Kissimmee Street in the old days. Now all deserted and boarded up.
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Another view of Downtown Port Tampa on Kissimmee
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Downtown Port Tampa was along Kissimmee Street in the old days. Now all deserted and boarded up.
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


This is the last Port Tampa City Hall (circa1947) now renovated into a library
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


The Port Tampa Episcopal Church 1898. Now a residence.
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


The Port Tampa Methodist Church circa 1894
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Dallmer House circa 1896
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Harrison House once was owned by a tugboat captain. The house (1898) had a "widows walk" on top at one time.
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


circa 1890 this home once owned by Dr. W.H.Mudge was said to be an unofficial Rough Riders headquarters
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


1881. Known as the "Painted Lady"
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Key West Style, Scott House 1896
Courtesy Michael Woodfin


Two Story Victorian Frame Smith House 1893
Courtesy Michael Woodfin

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