Miami History

Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, on the eastern fringes of the Everglades, Miami is the second largest city in Florida (next to Jacksonville) and the seat of Miami-Dade County. Miami is known for its international flair, a citywide culture influenced by Latin America and the Caribbean. The city's melting pot heritage is evident: most of the locals are at least bilingual, and many of the signs and public announcements are posted in English, Spanish, and Creole. Miami's status as an international cultural and financial center has earned it the nickname "Gateway of the Americas."

The city itself is a gleaming metropolis of modern skyscrapers and palm-lined boulevards. The western edge of the city actually extends into the swamps of the Everglades, resulting in the occasional wayward alligator wandering into a residential area. Biscayne Bay divides Miami from Miami Beach (technically a separate city, though few people bother to make the distinction anymore). The Miami River (named for the Native American word Mayaimi, meaning "big water") flows through downtown Miami, from the Everglades to the causeways of Biscayne Bay.

The earliest settlements of the Miami region all met with tragic ends. The Tequesta natives who originally lived there were wiped out by smallpox, brought over by Spanish explorers. In turn, the first European settlers were massacred by Seminoles and runaway slaves in the Second Seminole War. It wasn't until 1842 that William English, a plantation owner, charted out the "Village of Miami" and sold plots of land to speculators and settlers. Miami might have remained a remote village if not for the vision of Julia Tuttle, who owned an enormous citrus plantation in the area. She convinced railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railroad south to Miami. Flagler was so impressed with the potential of the area that he constructed a resort hotel as well.

Miami's industries are diverse, running the gamut from agriculture to manufacturing. The city is a financial and banking center, and a center of international commerce. Tourism plays a major part in Miami's economy as well, and contributes to its melting pot ambiance. Many of Miami's residents actually live in the city seasonally, enjoying the mild, pleasant winters that are trademarks of Florida. The Port of Miami is the busiest passenger cruise port in the world, accommodating nearly four million passengers each year.

Every January, visitors flock to Miami for the Orange Bowl, a college championship football game that has expanded over the years into a two week festival. Nearby Miami Beach is home to many beautiful beaches, including the world famous South Beach. The waterfront area around Biscayne Bay is host to the numerous shops, restaurants, and pavilions of Bayside Marketplace, as well as the lush, 32-acre Bayfront Park.