Hendry County, named in honor of Francis Asbury Hendry, a politician and officer in the Confederate States Army, was established in 1923. Hendry relocated to Florida from Thomasville, Ga. with his family at the young age of 18, settling along the Alfia River east of Tampa. After Hendry's wedding to Ardeline Ross Lanier in 1835, Hendry and his wife moved to Ft. Meade, where they started their first cattle ranch. During the 3rd Seminole war Hendry served as a mounted volunteer until the 1850's, when he was elected to serve on the Hillsborough County Commission. Ten years later, Hendry led the efforts to create Polk County and served on the first Board of County Commissioners. After the Reconstruction Government was installed in 1868, former Confederate Soldiers were no longer allowed to hold elective office on the State level, therefore upon returning to Polk County, Hendry was appointed to serve on the Board of Public Instruction, all the while, keeping his title as "the cattle king of South Florida".

Today, Hendry County is called home to cities such as Clewiston, Harlem and LaBelle. Although, the county seat of Labelle is French for 'the beautiful', the true origin of the name comes from the daughters of Francis Asbury Hendry; Laura and Belle Hendry. Clewiston, also known as "America's Sweetest Town", is located on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee, the second largest fresh water lake in the nation, offers some of the best black bass and pan fishing in the state! There are several conveniently located boat ramps with spacious parking, providing easy access to Lake Okeechobee. Dating back to 1965, The Labelle Swamp Cabbage Festival has been held annually during the last full weekend in February at Barron Park. The festival is a combination of music, food, entertainment, parades and lots and lots of swamp cabbage! What in the world is swamp cabbage, you ask? Swamp Cabbage is a Florida Cracker delicacy of specially prepared 'heart of the cabbage palm'! While devouring some of the best Swamp Cabbage around, don't forget to stroll over to the Armadillo races or the rodeo, you won't want to miss either one of these events! But, don't think for a second that's the only festival in these parts, The Sugar Festival take place in the state's sugar capital, Clewiston, over two weekends; the second and third Fridays and Saturdays in April. The Sugar Festival is a time for indulging in the many sweet delicacies that our locals provide for the Sweet Taste of Sugar Country Dessert Contest. While the tantalizing desserts is the theme of the festival, you won't want to miss out on the hospital bed races, sugar cane grinding demonstrations, horseshoe tournament or the bass fishing tournament.

Small town atmosphere, recreational facilities and plenty of business opportunities makes relocating to Hendry County the perfect place to retire, raise a family or just visit.