Fishing became the most important economic activity. The rich waters off the coast supported commercial fisheries, with catches of mullet, shad, and other species shipped inland. Yet without a harbor, fishermen faced constant peril in transporting their goods. Vessels often had to brave open seas and treacherous inlets.
The Civil War brought additional complexity. Union blockades of Florida’s coastline disrupted trade, and Confederate blockade runners occasionally attempted to use Florida’s inlets. Cape Canaveral’s strategic position as a navigational marker ensured that it remained significant, even if still undeveloped.
The Vision of a Harbor at Cape Canaveral
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Floridians began seriously considering the construction of a deepwater harbor near Cape Canaveral. Advocates argued that such a port would transform the local economy, enabling fishing boats, shipping vessels, and later commercial enterprises to operate safely.
The concept of a canal and harbor near the cape was floated as early as the 1870s, but lack of funds and engineering challenges delayed action. By the 1920s and 1930s, with Florida’s population beginning to grow and with the expansion of railroads and highways, the idea gained new momentum. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers studied potential sites, but the onset of the Great Depression slowed progress.
Still, local leaders remained committed to the dream. They envisioned a port that would not only aid fishing but also bring commerce and industry to Brevard County shutdown123