Established in the 1920s as a headquarters site for the building of the Tamiami Trail, Everglades City now serves as an access point to the watery domain of the northwestern Everglades. The town's most famous institution remains the Rod and Gun Club (200 Waterside Dr.). Serving as a fishing and hunting club since the late 19C, this structure was originally the residence of one of the area's first settlers, W.S. Allen. The rambling white-frame Victorian, with its rich interior paneling, gained world renown in the 1930s as one of the most exclusive sports clubs in the nation. Then owned by Barron Collier, the land speculator largely responsible for the building of the Tamiami Trail, the club played host to a number of dignitaries. It now operates as an inn.