MIAMI
The Miami area was first inhabited by the ancestors of the Tequesta Indians 10000 years ago. In 1513 Ponce de Leon stopped on the Florida coast that he called Chequesta, now called Biscayne Bay. In 1566 Florida was claimed for Spain by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Miami transformed into a city in 1895 when the railroad magnate Henry Flagler, and the land owners Tuttle and Brickell formed an alliance. Miami prospered in the 1900 but its expansion weakened after the 1920s real estate collapse. The Great Depression had a major impact on Miami and Miami Beach. The poor economy left hotels empty and lacking in tourists with money to spend. In the 1940’s the US Government established a base to guard Florida’s waters against German U-boats and set up military training fields. The Navy built air fields around Miami and Homestead. The hotel rooms were filled with military personnel and after the war, many service men returned to live in Miami with their family.
When Castro rose to power in 1959, a wave of Cuban refugees flooded Miami further increasing the population. In the 1980s and 1990s, Many crises struck Miami, among them the drug war, Hurricane Andrew and more recently the recession and the real estate plunge. Nevertheless Miami is only 105 years old but it is today one of the ten largest American metropolitan areas with 5.5 million residents versus 1700 in 1900. Miami is today a major international, financial, and cultural center. Tourism is one of the area's most important industries. Millions of visitors flow through Miami International each year.
The Port of Miami is among America’s busiest ports and recognized throughout the world with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas.
Miami's tropical climate is perfect for year-round outdoor activity. Whether you prefer the beach, boating/fishing or visiting the everglades, there is an outdoor recreation opportunity that interests you! The beautiful emerald waters are warm year round, and after you've spent time on the beach, stroll across the two mile long board walk and you will find an endless variety of world class hotels, and some of the finest clubs and restaurants.
If shopping is your thing, you can find anything in Miami. Take a walk down Ocean Drive, visit the Lincoln Road Mall, Coral Gables and Coconut grove these Miami neighborhoods are home to many upscale boutiques, favorites of tourists and locals.
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