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The Alafia River
"Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is.  It's thin current slides away, but eternity remains."  ~Henry David Thoreau~

Riverview.

Our Past.  Our Present.  Our Future.

 


Riverview Map  •  Riverview Roots - Area's Ancient History   •  Riverview History  •  Riverview's Future - Our Community Plan

Riverview History


     Riverview, FL is one of those rare communities that has managed to maintain its small town atmosphere while perched on the outskirts of the "big city" - the City of Tampa is only about 12 miles northwest of Riverview.  Riverview is a very old community which is presently undergoing an intense transition from a quiet town "where everybody knows your name" to the fastest growing community in Hillsborough County.

     Riverview was first settled around 1840 and was one of the earliest settled areas in Hillsborough County, although the US Government had a fort at Tampa beginning in June of 1824.

     The "old-timers" whose families have lived in Riverview for many generations are hard working, independent people who have diligently protected and preserved the heart and soul of Riverview for the future generations to come. We "newcomers" who are the fortunate heirs of their labor owe it to them now to join with them and work together side-by-side to guarantee that the special elusive "something" that emanates from the close-knit community of Riverview is not lost in the rush to develop.

   My husband John and I have been developing RiverviewOnline.com since 1999. It is our hope that RiverviewOnline.com, with its emphasis on "neighbor-to-neighbor" interaction via the Riverview message board, will help Riverview preserve its small-town feel while undergoing the stress of rapid development.  

     RiverviewOnline.com is both a labor of love and a very fun hobby for us, and we hope that you will enjoy your visits to our website.  

 -- Terri Bakas, January 8, 2005

 

Historical Overview of Riverview

  • Native American Indians named the river Alafia which means “ River of Fire ” because of the sparkling effect of phosphorous in the water.
  • 1842 Benjamin Moody arrived and built the first house in what is now referred to as “the town of Peru ” and subsequently Riverview .
  • Founding families included Moodys, Simmons, Bravos, Saffolds, Barneses, Hardings, Boyettes, Lesleys and McGriffs.
  • Activities included shipping of supplies up the Hillsborough River to the Bay on a sailing vessel named Josephine.