Odet Philippe facts for kids
Odet Philippe was a very important person in the history of Pinellas in Florida. He was the first European person to settle permanently on the Pinellas peninsula in 1842. He bought a large piece of land, about 160 acres, in what is now Safety Harbor.
Philippe was a very successful businessman. He was the first to bring cigar making and citrus farming to the Tampa Bay area. His family, including the McMullen and Booth families, are well-known pioneer families in the county. You might even know McMullen-Booth Road, which is named after them!
Odet Philippe was buried in Philippe Park in 1869. This park used to be his large farm. However, no one knows the exact spot where he was buried.
His Life and Contributions
Odet Philippe was born in Lyon, France, in 1787. He came to Florida and became the first European to settle permanently in Pinellas County. He started a large farm called St. Helena Plantation, which is now Philippe Park.
He is famous for being the first person to grow grapefruit in Florida. He also brought the idea of making cigars to Tampa. People say he was a doctor and came from a noble family. His children and grandchildren helped settle this new frontier.
Images for kids
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This is a marker for Odet Philippe's grave.
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A closer look at the words on the grave marker.
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The area believed to be Odet Philippe's burial site.
