Fort Pierce turned 100 years old on Feb. 2, 2001. The city traces its origins to 1838, when Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce, the brother of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, built a U.S. Army fort here during the Second Seminole War. Early settlers depended on the river for trade and travel until the Florida East Coast Railway arrived in the late 19th century. The town grew slowly and had just under 2,000 residents by 1915. World War II ended Fort Pierce’s solitude. From 1943-46 the city was the site of a Navy base that brought thousands of trainees to town. Today, there is the new Manatee Observation and Education Center, the restored Old City Hall, and a brick-paved traffic circle that provides a new entrance to the city’s riverfront and marina. Restaurants, clubs and shops contribute to a thriving, colorful downtown. Held the first Friday of each month in downtown Fort Pierce, Friday Fest never fails to draw a crowd. Nevertheless, Fort Pierce retains much of its old-Florida charm. Citrus packing houses abound and fine old homes line scenic Indian River Drive. Beautiful winter weather, lush tropical foliage and several miles of beaches attract thousands of "snowbirds" each year. Motorists crossing the bridge to South Beach get a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon and the Fort Pierce Inlet. Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County and is the home of the main campus of Indian River Community College. Located 120 miles north of Miami, Fort Pierce is served by U.S. 1, Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. The city’s current population is about 36,500. Fort Pierce turned 100 years old on Feb. 2, 2001. The city traces its origins to 1838, when Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce, the brother of Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, built a U.S. Army fort here during the Second Seminole War. Early settlers depended on the river for trade and travel until the Florida East Coast Railway arrived in the late 19th century. The town grew slowly and had just under 2,000 residents by 1915. World War II ended Fort Pierce’s solitude. From 1943-46 the city was the site of a Navy base that brought thousands of trainees to town. Today, there is the new Manatee Observation and Education Center, the restored Old City Hall, and a brick-paved traffic circle that provides a new entrance to the city’s riverfront and marina. Restaurants, clubs and shops contribute to a thriving, colorful downtown. Held the first Friday of each month in downtown Fort Pierce, Friday Fest never fails to draw a crowd. Nevertheless, Fort Pierce retains much of its old-Florida charm. Citrus packing houses abound and fine old homes line scenic Indian River Drive. Beautiful winter weather, lush tropical foliage and several miles of beaches attract thousands of "snowbirds" each year. Motorists crossing the bridge to South Beach get a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon and the Fort Pierce Inlet. Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County and is the home of the main campus of Indian River Community College. Located 120 miles north of Miami, Fort Pierce is served by U.S. 1, Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. The city’s current population is about 36,500.