Although Myakka City is a relatively young town, founded in 1915, there is evidence that there were Native Americans living and hunting in the area centuries before. Myakka was formed by four entrepreneurs who had dreams of becoming land mavens. They pooled their money together and purchased land in an area they knew a railroad would be laying down tracks, gambling that it would bring in an influx of residents. The streets were named after the first set of home buyers. The town was a success: the venture not only drew residents, an influx of businesses moved into the area, bringing in jobs. However, the Great Depression hit the region hard, and several businesses shut doors, and the locals had to move away seeking jobs.