History of Miami, Florida

Before Spain had claimed Miami in 1566, Tequesta Indians lived for thousands of years. Before being called Miami, the area was known as Biscayne Bay Country. Described as promising wilderness, it was also considered one of the finest building sites in Florida. After Florida was hit by the Great Freeze 1894, Miami had the only crops that survived. A local citrus grower, Julia Tuttle, and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, expand the Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami. Miami was officially incorporated in 1896 with a population of over 300. This city weathered the 20th century, surviving the Great Depression, battling the German submarines in World War II, and becoming refuge for many Cubans after Fidel Castro rose to power.