Pasco County, Florida
The story of Wesley Chapel
Everything below is a single verifiable claim with a citation attached. Where the record is a local legend rather than a document, it says so.
founding
How it started
- 1897
The settlement dates from the mid-1800s. From 1897 to 1902 Wesley Chapel had a post office, two sawmills and a general store.
etymology
How it got its name
-
Named for the Methodist church. It was originally called Double Branch after the area's twin creeks, and locals long called it Gatorville.
industry
What it lived on
- 2010
Lumber, turpentine and farming built it; growth built it again. The population went from 5,691 in 2000 to 44,092 in 2010 - a 674.8% increase - and 64,866 by 2020.
claim to fame
What it is known for
- 2008
One of the fastest-growing places in the United States: Wesley Chapel was named one of the 8 boomtowns of 2008 by the Gadberry Group.
landmark
What still stands
-
The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets, the retail centres the boom built.
- 2007
The county park opened in July 2007 at Boyette and Overpass roads.