Incorporated in 1925, Jupiter includes 21.1 square miles of which 1.1 square mile is water. As of 2006 the population was 50,028 according to the University of Florida.
The town was originally named for the Hobe Indian tribe who lived at the mouth of the Loxahatchee River. Due to multiple misunderstandings by mapmakers, the name changed from Hobe to Jupiter.
Jupiter is well known for it's beautiful beaches and is a popular vacation spot.
One of the most well known landmarks in Jupiter is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Built of brick and completed in 1860, it was painted red in 1910 due to discoloration from humidity. It was repainted after Hurricane Jeanne sandblasted paint from the upper portion.
Notable Residents Jupiter is or has been home to many celebrities including: Celine Dion, Loni Anderson, Robert Allenby, Ernie Els, Bryant Gumbel, Jesper Parnevik, Burt Reynolds, Camilo Villegas, Jack Hanna and Tiger Woods.
Jupiter's History Jupiter played a role in American History. The Battle of Loxahatchee was fought during the Second Seminole War. Afterwards the U.S. Army built Fort Jupiter and militamen bivouacked on what is now Winding Lake Drive. Major General Thomas S. Jesup led 1500 soldiers which included 500 Tennessee Volunteers and 100 Alabama Volunteers. against 300 Seminoles on January 24, 1838. Later, the commander of the volunteers, Major William Lauderdale, was ordered to hack a trail from Jupiter to New River where a new fort was built. This fort was named Fort Lauderdale in his honor and the trail became Military Trail.
