The Civil War could not curtail the agricultural benefits of the region and the coming of the railroad boomed the port town. You have reached the later downtown district. The pyramidal roofed corner towers are a city landmark. Across the street by the telephone company Dizzy Dean operated a gas station in the 1930's. A 200 seat planetarium with a Spitz star projector puts on special shows.
Parking is nearby.
Across the street stood the 1887 Palmer-Gaar House destroyed for parking leaving only the 1925 Peninsular Telephone Building. For years, it was the Manatee River National Bank. On the right, opposite the Court House, is a block of old commercial buildings. Next door is the new church. If you turn right in the next two blocks, you'll return to the waterfront along one of the oldest residential areas.