John Williams arrived from Detroit in 1875. Peter Demens arrived from St. Petersburg, Russia, 13 years later. Williams built a grand hotel. Demens brought in a railroad.
Legend has it that the city's name was decided by the flip of a coin: Williams wanted Detroit and Demens wanted St. Petersburg. Demens won the toss.
The City of St. Petersburg was incorporated on February 29th, 1892.
- Learn more about the history of St. Petersburg
