The History of Miami

The City Of Miami was developed mainly in the 20th Century. Slowly over the years Miami was transformed from an empty swamp-land to a world-class tourist destination.

Today’s Miami basically began in 1895 when Henry Flagler decided to extend his vast rail system into the south of Florida. With its completion in 1896 many people began to leave the frozen north for the sunny climates of South Florida. This influx prompted Miami to incorporate immediately.

In the hundred plus years since Miami has seen its fair share of booms and busts, but continues to thrive as a world class city. After some rough years early on in the century, the development of a new architectural style common know as ‘Art Deco,’ (called Art Moderne then,) brought developers from all around racing to get in on this new waterfront metropolis know as Miami, and especially Miami Beach. Most of the 200 or so hotels built on Miami Beach between the years of 1935 and 1941 are Art Deco. These architectual marvels marked the return of prosperity to South Florida.

The 1950s were known as a ‘fun time era' and the hipsters began to migrate to Miami and Miami Beach in droves. This also brought a wealth of gamblers who benefited by the close proximity to Cuba. People from far and wide were taking advantage of the sunny days and cool nights on Millionaires Row in mid-Miami Beach. However the late 50s brought on the segregation of blacks to the northern section of Downtown Miami, then know as “Colored Town,” and now know as “Over town.” This tension lasted through the mid 60s and into the 70s spawning gang violence and racial tension between blacks and whites.

Then in the late 70s, 1979 to be exact the now infamous Mariel Boatlift brought 150,000 Cubans to the shores of South Florida. Included in this mass of immigrants were 25,000+ criminals and mentally ill patients. This would provide the ground work for another more intense racial war which was the cause of $80MM in property damage, and at least 1000 arrests.

As usual Miami pressed on and calmed the people making way for the indulgence of 1980s. During this time Miami became a major port of entry for drug smugglers, which was all glamorized on the hit television series “MIAMI VICE,” which is single handedly responsible for turning Miami Beach into an exciting playground for those wishing to be in on the glitz and glam of Miami.

Miami rode the peak of this boom straight into the 1990s which sprouted the club scene today know as ‘South Beach.’ Since then we are still among the favorites for socalites and the savy vacationer wishing to experience a plethora of diverse cultural communities, amazing climates, and world class cuisine.

Despite all of our ups and downs Miami still continues to thrive and is now known as “The American Rivera.”

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact your Miami-Dade Realtor.