635 Country Meadows Way
Bradenton, FL 34212

The area that would become Bradenton (originally spelled "Bradentown") was first explored in 1539 by the Spanish during the famous expedition led by Hernando De Soto. The original town of Bradentown was incorporated on May 19, 1903. The city took the name of Dr. Joseph Braden, whose nearby fort-like house was a refuge for early settlers during Seminole Indian attacks. The current city of Bradenton was formed in 1943, when the Florida legislature merged the cities of Manatee (incorporated in 1888) and Bradentown.

Historic properties

Historic properties in Bradenton include:

• Braden Castle Park Historic District, off of Manatee Avenue and 27th St East
• Bradenton Bank and Trust Company Building, 1925, now the Professional Building, 1023 Manatee Avenue, West,
• Iron Block Building, 1896, 530 12th Street West (Old Main Street)
• Manatee County Courthouse, 1913, 1115 Manatee Avenue, West
• Old Manatee County Courthouse, 1860, 1404 Manatee Avenue, East
• Peninsular Telephone Company Building, 1925, 1009 4th Avenue, West
• Jennings Aracde, 1926, 417 12th Street West (Old Main St)