A little more than a century ago, a city sprung up almost overnight. As a result, one of Miami’s many nicknames is the Magic City. Much like her geographical description, Miami’s history is colorful, magnetic and exotic. Ever-evolving, Miami is surging as a major international port and a gateway for global industries establishing footholds in the U.S. despite the City’s relatively young age.
Early inhabitants depended on the Miami River for food and spoke of their “Mayaimi” with pride. These early Native American settlers were known as the “Tequestas.” Later, Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to visit in 1513 and Spain is credited for the first recorded landing in 1566.
Did you know that Miami is home to one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere? Or that Miami boasts one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco architecture in the country? What about the fact that you can swim in a giant fresh water spring at a coral rock quarry? These facts might surprise you, but Miami is full of historically significant structures and attractions. In fact, if you’re looking to dive deep into the eclectic history of Miami, then its unique architecture, geography and historic parks are great places to start.
