Established in 1921; population approximately 157,000 701 square miles; 448,640 acres Florida Marine Research Institute relays shoreline mileage for Charlotte County at 830 miles including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and 28 miles of sandy beaches. Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor is preserved land. Canoe/Kayak Blueway Trails - 53 trails for a total of 197.8 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater Charlotte Harbor, fed by the Peace and Myakka rivers, is the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in the state encompassing 270 square miles. The 105-mile long Peace River is one of the longest rivers in Florida; it finds its terminus in Charlotte Harbor. The Spanish are credited for naming the waterway in 1544 as Rio de la Paz, "river of peace." The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are in Charlotte County. Enjoy the vast hiking opportunities including the Old Datsun Trail. Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area encompasses 79,013 acres or 124 square miles of the largest undisturbed pine flatwoods in SW Florida and the 7th largest management area in the state. Designated one of the top ten sailing destinations by SAIL magazine Ranked 3rd "Best in America" to live and golf by Golf Digest; "... golf has surpassed baseball as the national pastime for a generation of Americans now more than intent on playing than watching sports."