Downtown Tampa Live Cam
Bounded by the Hillsborough River to the west

History
Downtown Tampa has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga Native American tribe, who lived along the shores of Tampa Bay. In the mid-1800s, the area was settled by pioneers, who established a small village that would later become known as Tampa.
One of the most significant events in Downtown Tampa's history was the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s. This led to a boom in commerce and industry, and the area quickly became the commercial and financial center of the region. By the early 1900s, downtown Tampa was a bustling city with a growing population and a thriving economy.
During the early 20th century, downtown Tampa continued to grow and prosper, with the construction of numerous landmark buildings, including the Tampa Theatre, the Floridan Hotel, and the Tampa City Hall. However, like many cities in the United States, downtown Tampa suffered during the Great Depression and the subsequent World War II years. The population declined, and many buildings fell into disrepair.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the city government began a revitalization effort to bring new life to downtown Tampa. This led to the construction of several new office buildings, hotels, and cultural institutions, such as the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Today, downtown Tampa is a vibrant and bustling urban center, with a thriving business district, a lively nightlife scene, and a rich cultural heritage.