Charlotte Harbor has provided food, industry, leisure, and transportation since pre-historic times. The first bridge connecting the towns of Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda opened in 1921, but was barely wide enough for two cars to pass. In 1931, Barron Collier Bridge opened as a replacement. The bridge in this view looks south toward the late Hotel Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda. As population increased, the Albert Gilchrist Bridge was added in 1976 as southbound U.S. 41, while Barron Collier Bridge ran northbound.