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Miami History

   The area that would become the city of Miami was originally populated by the Calusa people, a Native American tribe known as the "Shell Indians" because of their use of shells as weapons, tools and utensils. Sadly, with the influx of European travelers, the Calusa tribe was ravaged by diseases, such as smallpox and measles, and their predicament was further compromised by the arrival of rivaling tribes from Georgia and South Carolina.  It is generally thought by historians that the remaining Calusa eventually migrated to Cuba after Florida was handed over to the Spanish by the British in 1763.
   The Spanish had settled in Southern Florida by the early 18th century, but they had largely withdrawn from the area by the mid-19th century. The area remained mainly uninhabited, although the off-shore water routes continued to be used by the Seminole, who were beginning to move into the state, along with hundreds of homesteaders who were eager to take advantage of the natural resources surrounding the Miami River.
   The modern development of the Miami area did not truly begin until the late 19th century, when homesteader Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railway service to Southern Florida, allowing the area to flourish. The railway station was built and was soon followed by a large, luxury hotel, thus firmly establishing the city of Miami as a resort town.
   The development of central air-conditioning and the influx of Cuban immigrants to the area after the 1959 Cuban Revolution greatly contributed to Miami’s exponential growth, making Miami one of America’s key cities.

Recreation and Culture

   The city of Miami offers visitors and residents numerous activities.  Whether it’s playing a round of golf on one of the area’s championship courses or enjoying a meditative stroll through the South Beach Botanical Garden, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Miami.
   The greater Miami area is best known for its miles of beaches.  Water activities are the favorite pastimes of the city’s residents and tourists, including swimming, snorkeling and diving. Other water activities include the Miami Wakeboard and Water Ski camp, where participants can hone their surfing skills, and the Skybanditz Kiteboard center, where the brave can take lessons in the extreme water sport of kiteboarding.
   Miami is home to many museums, several of which reflect the area’s diverse cultural influences. Located in downtown Miami, the Museum of Science and Planetarium is home to the Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center. It is also the host of the first and only weekly television show focusing on naked-eye astronomy, "Jack Horkheimer’s Star Gazer," and site of a SPITZ “Space Transit Planetarium” star projector, which accurately projects a star chart of constellations from anywhere in the world, at any time during the year.
   One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Miami Seaquarium encompasses more than 38 acres of exhibitions and galleries. The Seaquarium offers visitors a first-hand look at conservation efforts and includes Discovery Bay, an endangered manatee habitat.  For an extra treat, visitors can take part in the Water and Dolphin Exploration program, which offers participants an opportunity to observe the activities of dolphins up close -- by swimming with them!
   Miami is also situated close to Key Biscayne National Park.  Designated as a national park in 1980, it covers more than 180,000 acres of mangrove wetlands, coral reefs and an 18-mile-long chain of keys, or islands. There are more than 40 shipwrecks located within the park -- some associated with the pirate Black Caesar, who frequented South Florida -- and many are accessible by narrated boat tours.
   Another historic attraction in the Miami area is the Barnacle State Historic Site, located in trendy Coconut Grove.  It was the home of one of Miami’s most charismatic settlers, Ralph Munroe, who made his living from salvaging the ships that ran aground in the Biscayne Bay area.  The site encompasses more than 40 acres, and visitors can catch a glimpse of what life was like in Florida in the early 20th century.
   Sports fans can take advantage of Miami’s many sports franchises.  Home of World Series champions the Florida Marlins, ProPlayer Stadium is also the arena of the Miami Dolphins, and the city is also the proud host of the NBA team, the Miami Heat.

Communities

   Miami boasts a variety of architectural styles, ranging from modernist to contemporary. The downtown area is truly the key to the city and serves as the financial and business center of the area. Additionally, many major cruise lines dock at the adjacent Port of Miami, offering residents the opportunity to indulge themselves in one of the many Caribbean cruises on offer.
   The Historic Art Deco District in South Beach hosts more than 800 examples of early 20th-century architecture, many of which have been recently restored to their original appearance.
   Coral Gables, located to the south of the city, is a beautiful and vibrant community with brightly colored Mediterranean-revival style houses and buildings, all of which are perfectly complemented by the Coral Gables Venetian spring water pool, a registered historic treasure.
   An affluent suburb of Miami, with cobblestone streets, Coconut Grove is home to the famous Coconut Grove Playhouse, and hosts the annual International Art Festival.  The Grove’s vibrant nightlife gives residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a meal at one of many chic cafes and restaurants, or take in a live musical or theatrical performance in one of many nightclubs or theaters.

Miami Fast Facts

   Location: Miami is situated in Miami-Dade County, on the south Florida Atlantic coast
  *Population: 362,470
  *Housing units: 148,388
  *Total area: 55.27 square miles (35.67 square miles land area, 19.59 square miles water area)
   Average temperature: January: 73ºF/63ºF; June: 86ºF/77ºF
   Average precipitation: January: 2.44 inches; June: 6.90 inches
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Education

   Miami is home to almost 100 elementary schools, 41 middle schools and 34 high schools. There are many universities, colleges and vocational schools in the area, including the University of Miami, Barry University and Florida Atlantic University.

Real Estate

   There are a variety of designs in Miami. These pictures give a few examples:

Maps of Miami

Written and photographed by Augusta Wilson exclusively for CoastParadise.com.

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