Hillsborough County was named in honor of the Earl of Hillsborough, an Englishman with large land holdings in Florida. Hillsborough County was first explored in the 16th century by Panfilo de Narvaez and Hernando DeSoto who came in search of riches. What they found instead were the Tocobagan Indians who had been occupying the area for hundreds of years. After fighting many battles Narvaez enslaved some of the Indians to question them about the treasure. The Indians informed Narvaez that he and his 400 Spanish Soldiers would find the gold in the more northerly states of Georgia and Alabama. Narvaez died on his journey north. The Americans gained possession of Hillsborough County in 1821 and thirteen years later the U.S. Legislative Council for the Territory of Florida approved Hillsborough to be the 19th County of the State of Florida. Fort Brooke, now known as Tampa became the focal point of the county, as much trading went on in this area. Soon Fort Brooke became one of the larges cities in Tampa Bay, which in itself was a huge ordeal as during this time Hillsborough County included what is now Highlands, Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, Polk, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, most of Glades and one third of Lee Counties. In 1885, the railroad made its first pass through the county and Spanish and Cuban cigar workers began moving their families and cigar businesses to the area. Hillsborough began to grow at a rapid pace in industry and population. It was said that in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, "The Rough Riders" led by Teddy Roosevelt, passed through Tampa on their way to invade Cuba. With Tampa being the county seat, trips from other more distant parts of the county were arduous. In 1912, Hillsborough County was divided into the counties that are known today, with Tampa remaining the county seat.

Today Hillsborough County as been made home to cities such as Apollo Beach, Brandon, Carrollwood, Dover, Gibsonton, Lutz, Mango, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Tampa, Thonotosassa, Town N Country, Valrico and Wimauma. Because Hillsborough County is situated on the Tampa Bay, the outdoor recreation and sports is in abundance. Whether you choose to spend your afternoon fishing, paddling, snorkeling, boating, diving or jet-skiing, a day in Hillsborough County promises to be one to remember. From sinking holes at Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa to teeing off at the Cheval Country Club in Lutz, Hillsborough County offers some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the State of Florida. Spend a day at the MOSI Museum (Museum of Science and Industry) in Tampa and the evening gazing at the beautiful sunset off Tampa Bay. Hillsborough is the home to Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park. Both parks offer some of the most incredible natural scenic views that Hillsborough County has to offer. With picnic areas, camping and pavilions these parks provide a place to go and enjoy nature with all the natural peace that comes with it.

The real estate opportunities are endless in Hillsborough County. If you're looking for a place to retire, raise a family or just to enjoy the "big city" life, Hillsborough County is like being on vacation every day! From the small community of Dover, Florida to the active city life of Tampa, Hillsborough County has something for everyone! Single family homes in the cozy community of Mango, Florida with the fast pace city night life of Tampa only a few minutes away. Riverfront homes through the communities of Gibsonton and Riverview. Opportunities to build your Dream home on one of the many land lots. Relocating to Hillsborough County promises to provide many years of making memories and enjoying life. Rich in history, nature, education and some of the friendliest people around, Hillsborough County offers a life of learning and living.

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