Originally a Seminole Indian Village occupied by Jimmy Osceola and the other simple living Seminoles, Coopertown was founded by John Cooper and has remained with the Cooper family since. Originally from White Oak, Missouri where they came from a large farming family, the three Cooper brothers came to the Tamiami Trail from Melbourne, Florida, looking for better frog hunting in the Everglades.

By 1945, John Cooper had a small frogging boat along the East-West Canal (the Tamiami Trail). Passing motorists noticed it and would ask for a ride in the interesting looking airboat. John obliged. At first it was a few people, but as more and more curious people stopped, John built a small passenger airboat to accommodate them. As the traffic down the Tamiami Trail grew, so did Coopertown.

John’s brother James T. (Jay) built and opened a Bait & Tackle shop along with a grocery store and gas station. In April, 1967, Edward Williams purchased Jay's Bat & Tackle and then sold it to the National Park in June of 1996. John’s brother Marion opened a small stand, serving sodas, sandwiches and fresh 'Glades froglegs to the Airboat Tour passengers. Over the years, the stand grew into the Coopertown Restaurant under various local management. In June, 1967, Ellen Curtis leased the establishment and has promoted the now "world-famous" house specialty, Everglades Frog Legs - the platter or the dinner version, if you prefer. Or try the tender nuggets of gator tail. Of course, other "down-home" meals are served, as well as the "best hamburgers in town"! See what else the Coopertown Restaurant has to offer!

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