Fulton Harbor

Fulton’s natural shoreline attracted a flourishing beef processing and distribution industry in the 1860s and 1870s. Piers and docks were built by landowners to facilitate the turtle, fishing, oyster, and shrimping industries. A steady growth began and flourished until silting prevented heavy draft vessels from entering the harbor area.<br><br> The Navigation District began planning significant improvements to the Fulton Harbor area in 1946 to alleviate the silting. First called the Little Bay Project, a temporary channel 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep was dredged to provide commercial and pleasure craft access. Financed by bonds, the breakwater and a concrete wall and timber bulkhead were completed by 1949.<br><br> Silting of the channel again restricted access, and the federal government was asked to provide dredging of the turning basin and 1000-foot-long protective dike on the north end.<br><br> Taxpayers approved a tax levy in 1954 to finance dredging of the harbor and the construction of bulkheads and a boat ramp. Additional property around the harbor was acquired to expand harbor facilities and encourage commercial development.<br><br> Numerous improvement projects throughout the years have expanded and maintained Fulton Harbor, creating today’s commercial and recreational facilities.