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After the American Civil War, the untamed wilderness of what would become Collier County opened up for settlement. Many of the early settlers sought refuge from the societal upheaval, aiming to establish a new life in a region characterized by its beauty and bountiful resources. Small communities began to form, each with its unique character: Chokoloskee, Marco Island, Naples, and others.
Collier County's reputation as a haven for fishing, hunting, and agriculture began to take root as early pioneers developed strong relationships with the remaining Seminole clans. This interaction sowed the seeds for economic growth and cultural exchange.