The History of Miami

August 11, 2016

Situated between the Florida Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is a teeming seaport with a rich culture and history. It is also a clean city; in 2008 it was labeled as “America’s Cleanest City” by Forbes. It is known for having good weather year-round and has plenty of beaches for you to enjoy. It is a great place to live and today it is one of the richest cities in the world while also sometimes called the Capital of Latin America. Let’s examine some of the history of this great city.

Early Years

Before it was founded as a city, the Miami area was often referred to as the Biscayne Bay area for many years before it was incorporated as a city officially. It is one of the only cities in the United States to have been created by a woman. Julia Tuttle, who was a local citrus grower, was highly influential in bringing people and business to the Miami area. In 1896, it was officially incorporated with a population of around 300.

Early 1900s

At the beginning of the 20th century, Miami became a popular destination for northerners, helping it to prosper and grow quickly. Unfortunately, a hurricane in 1926 (as well as Florida land issues) slowed down the development of Miami for many years. Growth would start again with World War II with Miami serving as an important port for the war effort. In 1959, Fidel Castro would rise to power in Cuba. Many wealthy Cubans fled the country and settled in Miami. Others would continue to follow and the island influence would have a marked impact on the culture and feel of the city.

Today

In recent years, Miami has continued to grow and thrive. It is a major port of call for many of the cruise lines that operate in the Caribbean Sea. It has a great Latin American culture and has become the second largest city with a Spanish speaking majority in the United States. It continues to thrive and be a business leader for the United States.
Miami has a rich history steeped with the influence of a variety of cultures. It has weathered the test of time well and has survived some of the worst weather that Mother Nature can throw at it. It is a great place to live and can provide a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else.