The Rye community began as a fort which served as protected housing for a small group of militia and their families.

After the Third Seminole War, some of the militia's families remained at Rye, establishing orange groves and cattle ranching.

[2][3] The developing Rye community was difficult to reach by road, but its residents were well known for their ability to navigate the Manatee River.

In 1882, Sam Mitchell, a cattle rancher from Tampa, moved to Rye with plans to develop a subdivision.

In 1988, the last remaining wooden structures which were the original Rye Home and its detached kitchen area were destroyed in a fire.