Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce Website
Hobe Sound named for the Jove or Jobe Indians, positioned at the southern end of environmentally-sensitive Martin (named after Governor Martin) County. It has been stated that at Hobe Sound’s front door lies the Gold Coast and that at her back door lies the Treasure Coast; part of its proud heritage and unique personality. Hobe Sound’s proximity to the coast affords immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean and the deep-channeled Intracoastal Waterway, providing a sheltered passage for boats along the eastern seaboard. The first recorded settlers, said to be a small Quaker party, including its most notable passenger, Jonathan Dickinson, encountered and received aid from the Jove Indians after sinking off the coast on a trip from Jamaica to Philadelphia. Hobe Sound received its name by 1699, according to the Florida WPA Guide.
Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, Henry Flagler built his railroad along the east coast of Florida passing through Hobe Sound. This gradually created many opportunities including jobs, the birth of tourism, and other related industries. Parts of Hobe Sound were included in the 12,000 acres of the Gomez grant given by Spain to Don Eusebio in 1815. In 1821, Gomez sold 8,000 acres, including Jupiter Island, to Joseph Delespine for $1 per acre. Over the decades, it has been home or a winter home for wealthy businessman and industrialists, politicians, and sports and entertainment celebrities. This portion of Hobe Sound is well known for it’s famous and wealthy residents such as “Tiger” Woods, Alan Jackson, and the late Burt Reynolds among others.