Before there was a Port Tampa, the southwestern tip of the Interbay Peninsula was known as Black Point – a good place for fishing.  Settlement of the area began around 1885 when Henry B. Plant selected it for his system of hotels, railways and shipping lines.  Upon completion of the railway extension from Tampa in 1888, Port Tampa became a major freight and passenger railway terminus and international seaport.  Two hotels were built on pilings adjacent to the pier extending a mile into Tampa Bay.  Passengers could step from the train next to the hotels, lean out their chamber window to catch fish to be cooked and served to them, and walk across the pier to board their ship.  Leisure time could be spent at nearby Picnic Island, a recreational and amusement resort.

Port expansion led to the development of the City of Port Tampa. Quarters were built for port workers; stately residences were constructed for sea captains; wealthy merchants built grand homes; cigar factory workers built modest dwellings.