Chapter 3: Historical Settlement of Miami

Introduction to Henry Flagler and the Development of Miami

  Paleo Indians initially inhabited the region, now known as city of Miami, more than 10,000 years ago. Later, the Tequesta Indians began to build numerous settlements along the Florida Keys and Miami River.  In 1566, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés claimed this territory for Spain.  The United States did not acquire the region, until it purchased Florida from Spain for 5 million dollars through the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819 (Florida Treaty) .

                                        Adams-Onis Treaty

                    http://aventalearning.com/content168staging/2008AmHistA/unit2/images/HIS02-69.21468.jpg 

In 1830, Richard Fitzpatrick, an important politician, purchased the Bahamian-held lands on the Miami River, and established various plantations.  The United States attempted to relocate the Seminole Indians and this instigated major conflicts.  Throughout the 1800s, the United States engaged in numerous wars against the Seminoles, including the First Seminole War, Second Seminole War, and Third Seminole War.  After the end of the Second Seminole War, William English, Richard Fitzpatrick’s nephew, acquired the Miami River land from Fitzpatrick and labeled the south bank of the river as, “Village of Miami”

                                    Locations of the Seminole Wars

                                                                                 http://shamm.tripod.com/War2.GIF

The area of Miami was not well established until Henry M. Flagler, a multi-millionaire from his partnership with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil, agreed to extend his railroad to Miami.  In compensation, Flagler was given hundreds of acres of land from two landowners, Tuttle and  Brickells.  In addition, Flagler invested in the construction of hotels along Biscayne Bay.  

                                             Henry Flagler

                                             http://flaglerlive.com/wp-content/uploads/henry-flagler1.jpg

On April 13, 1896, the first train entered Miami.  This was significant for the future development of Miami because the extension of the railroad greatly enhanced the economy.  Tourism increased and more people were able to visit an area that was still warm in winter.  The greater exposure helped to increase the population size.  The access to a train in Miami also enabled the transport of goods, such as citrus fruits.  On July 28, 1896, Miami became officially incorporated as a city.

                          Map of Florida East Coast Railroad in 1910

                               http://www.drbronsontours.com/sitebuilder/images/mapFEC-801x1177.jpg

            In the 1920’s, Miami was rapidly growing and the city’s population reached 30,000.  The proliferation in Miami led to an increase in total population by 440 percent, in comparison to 1910.  With Fidel Castro’s takeover of Cuba in 1959, numerous Cubans left their native country in fear and traveled to United States in hopes for a better future.  The massive influx of Cubans contributed to the revitalization of Miami’s economy and culture after the Great Depression. 

The swift increase in population led to Miami’s official nickname as, “The Magic City”.  The city appeared to grow and improve year after year.  The success of Miami seemed like “magic”. Presently, Miami contains approximately 417,000 residents.

       http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/37/3767/U5OZF00Z/posters/miami-the-magic-city.jpg

Other Notable Historical Events in Miami

The Great Freeze:

In 1894 to 1895, mostly crops in Miami survived and the majority of crops in Florida were destroyed due to the unusually cold weather.  Many of the citrus crops were damaged

1926 Miami Hurricane (Great Miami Hurricane):

In September 1926, a Category 4 hurricane severely damaged infrastructure in Miami.  The damages in 1926 were estimated at $105 million and it would have been more than $164 billion when converted to today's dollar value.  

                                          http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/?n=miami_hurricane

Sources:

                http://www.historymiami.org/research-miami/topics/history-of-miami/
                http://www.miamismarts.com/articles/miami-series1/1welcome.php
                http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/miami/miami.htm
               http://www.miami-beach-travelguide.com/history-of-miami.html
               http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/?n=miami_hurricane
               http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk