Your Go-To Guide for Brandon and Riverview!

Though Brandon is a part of Tampa’s history, due to the expansion of the Cigar industry, among others, it has its own unique history as well. In 1858, John Brandon and his family moved to New Hope (now Brandon) and then left suddenly when Brandon’s first wife passed away. However, it didn’t take long before they were back! Seven years later, the Brandon family moved back to the area and built two homes. One for John Brandon and his second wife, Victoria and a second for his son, James and his wife, Joanna. The foundation of these homes still exists as the post office and Stowers Funeral Home. 

In 1890 when the railroad surveyors wanted to branch out into the area, Victoria named the town Brandon after her late husband, John Brandon who started the development of this once barren land almost 40 years prior. 

In the 161 years since the Brandon Family first stepped foot in