Ever wondered why Riverview is called Riverview? The story begins long before its current name. Riverview boasts a rich history, evolving from a small settlement to a bustling census-designated place in Hillsborough County.
Originally, part of Riverview was known as Peru. Yes, you heard right. Peru got its name from an indigenous term meaning straight part of the river. This area existed for almost a century. It stood as one of central Florida’s oldest settlements.
In the 1830s, settlers first arrived on the Alafia River’s south side. The Peruvian Mining Company mined phosphate from the Alafia. It took its name from this early settlement. The term Alafia means River of Fire because phosphorus made the riverbottom glow at night.
Riverview officially came to be in 1885. It was established on the Alafia River’s north shore. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that Riverview absorbed Peru. Now, Riverview lays claim to the Alafia River’s south side too.
An early school was built in 1893. It was housed inside the Peru Baptist Church. The area known as Riverview started to grow on the river’s north side. A river ferry connected the two communities.
Soon, they built a bridge. It was constructed from sections of a bridge that once crossed Tampa’s Hillsborough River. The post office moved back and forth. It went from the Riverview side to the Peru side causing much tension. The Riverview name was adopted in the early 1940s. This aimed to end the mail confusion.
Some early settlers included the Boyettes, Brandons and Buzbees. Also among them were the Hancocks, Hartleys and Moodys. The area founded by the Boyette family is now Boyette. It is located in Riverview’s eastern part.
Emmet and Myrtle Tope established Florida’s first commercial poultry farm in Riverview in 1921.
Riverview is located southeast of Hillsborough County’s center. The Alafia River runs through its northern part. Interstate 75 forms the western edge of Riverview. U.S. Route 301 runs parallel to I-75. It passes through the original Riverview settlement at the Alafia River.
Downtown Tampa is only 12 miles northwest of Riverview. Riverview’s population has surged. It jumped from 71,050 in 2010 to 107,396 in 2020.
Riverview is home to Bell Creek Nature Preserve. Many Tampa Bay radio and television stations broadcast from Riverview. They use an antenna farm on Boyette Road.
Today, Riverview stands as a testament to Florida’s dynamic history. It blends its early riverside roots with modern growth. Its story reminds us that even place names have fascinating stories. They connect us to the past.