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The History of the 1912 Cortez Schoolhouse

The Cortez Schoolhouse was constructed in 1912. The building was the second schoolhouse for the community of Cortez, which was established in the 1880s as a fishing village. It originally housed two classrooms and in 1933, an auditorium with a stage was added forming a T-shaped floor plan.

In 1961, the schoolhouse was leased to an art school, and it was later sold to master weaver Robert Sailors who made the building his home and studio.

Residents of the Cortez community are passionate about preserving the past and ensuring that current and future residents and visitors to Manatee County understand the significance of the village and this schoolhouse.

Therefore, in December of 1999, with grant assistance from the Florida Communities Trust, Manatee County purchased the schoolhouse and an adjoining parcel to create the Cortez Nature Preserve. Funding will rehabilitate the building as a museum providing local history and environmental education programs.

 

 

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