Daphne was incorporated on July 8, 1927, with a population of 500, but its history reaches much further back. Research and artifacts indicate that Tensaw, Alabama, Choctaw, Creeks, and Seminole Indians lived in the area before 1557. In 1763, the community was known simply as "the Village." The town was officially established on April 9, 1874, and was named by the first postmaster's wife after the laurel tree, also called Daphne, which was then abundant in the area but has since become rare because of population growth and development. In the early 1900s, several Italian families settled there and brought expertise in agriculture and other fields. The architecture of City Hall reflects a modern version of Italian Renaissance style, and the names of nearby streets and businesses further show Daphne's connection to the old world. A sculpture by Frances J. Neumann was dedicated on September 24, 2008. In 2008, Daphne's population was approximately 18,000.