Gillette, Florida facts for kids

Gillette is a small community located in Manatee County, Florida, United States. It is an area that is not officially a city or town, but it is still a recognized community.

History of Gillette

Gillette has an interesting past. It was first known as Frog Creek. The community was settled before the Civil War by people who moved there from Northern Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Early Settlers and Founder

The main founder of Gillette was a person named Daniel Gillett. He played a big part in starting the community. Daniel Gillett was known for raising cattle and growing citrus fruits in the area. These activities were very important to the early economy of Gillette.

Community Milestones

The first church in Gillette began in 1850. It officially became organized in 1868. This church was very important because it was the first Baptist church in all of Manatee County and the first one north of the Manatee River.

From 1895 to 1910, Gillette had its own post office. This helped the community connect with other places. Later, in 1925, a schoolhouse was opened in the town. It served the children of Gillette until it closed in 1948.

Main Industries

Throughout its history, Gillette has always been known for two main industries: citrus farming and cattle ranching. These activities have been a big part of the community's way of life and economy for many years.