Useppa is a one mile long by half a mile wide island, located in Charlotte Harbor. It has a diverse history and held othe names in the 17 and 1800s such as Caldez’s Islands, Josepha’s (Joseffa) and Toampe . The island was initially inhabited by the Calusa tribe, who used it as a seasonal fishing village. Later it played into the Jose Gaspar legend.
In the late 1800s, a wealthy businessman named Barron Collier purchased the island and built a luxurious resort for the elite. During World War II, the island was used as a training ground for soldiers and later as a naval base.
In the 1950s, Useppa Island became a private club for wealthy members, who built elaborate homes and enjoyed the island’s pristine beaches and lush vegetation
Useppa’s history took an interesting turn during the Cold War era. In the early 1960s, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) used the island as a secret training ground for the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. The island’s remote location and lush vegetation made it the perfect place for the CIA to train and prepare the Cuban exiles for the planned attack.
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed attempt to overthrow the Cuban government and ultimately became a significant embarrassment for the United States. Despite its historical significance, the island’s involvement in the Bay of Pigs remained a closely guarded secret for many years.
Today, Useppa Island is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world. The island’s history, including its connection to the Bay of Pigs and the CIA, has only added to its unique charm and allure. Despite its many changes over the years, Useppa Island remains one of the most intriguing places in Charlotte Harbor and a testament to the region’s rich history.
