The Tampa Bay area first started to be settled in the early 1800's. The territory became part of the United States in 1845 and the area began to be developed. Phosphates were discovered in the region in the late 1880's. The mining and shipping promoted a growth boom. Tampa is now the seventh largest port in the United States.

In 1886 Vicente Martinez Ybor established a cigar factory in Tampa. He built homes for the workers and now this area of downtown Tampa is known as Ybor City, where there are many attractions and much to do.

The military came to the area and used the Port in the Spanish-American War. Today, MacDill Airforce Base is home to Central Command.