William Smith Allen settled here in the 1870s and made it his home. In 1889 he sold the property to George Storter, Jr., and it expanded to include a post office, trading post, and warehouses serving the thriving sugar cane syrup trade. Barron Collier bought the town in 1922 to serve as headquarters for building the Tamiami Trail and as the county seat. He converted the Storter homestead into the Rod & Gun Club, known for its fishing and for welcoming distinguished guests. The property was eventually sold in 1971 and remains a popular historic place to dine and lodge.