This area with its miles of white, sandy beaches, mild climate and abundant fish quickly became popular. Its name was the result of the comparison of its bay to that of Naples, Italy. One of the first improvements was the construction of a 600 foot pier into the Gulf of Mexico. Its unusual "T" shape allowed large ships to dock easily. Although destroyed three times, it was always rebuilt in the same "T" configuration.

The Naples Hotel brought in such celebrities as Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, Greta Garbo, Hedy Lamarr, and Gary Cooper, and with their arrival property values began a rapid climb. However, the southwest coast of Florida was still basically an island, with no direct connection to other cities in the state.

Barron G. Collier changed that. His belief that Florida's west coast could enjoy the same prosperity as the east coast compelled him to purchase over a million acres of untouched swampland - including most of Naples. He then spent more than $1 million of his own money to build the Tamiami Trail. It opened in 1926 as the only paved road connecting the state's two largest cities, Tampa and Miami. Collier's dedication convinced the state to create Collier County, named for its most generous benefactor. Although Collier died before his work was completed, his vision has made Naples prosperous and popular. The same qualities that attracted people a century ago continue to do so today.