Miami, Florida is a major cruise ship hub and vacation destination.
Miami FL History
The Tequesta Indians lived in the Miami area long before Christopher Columbus discovered America. In 1566, Spaniards attempted to start a Jesuit mission to convert the Tequesta, but it failed. Another attempt in 1743 also failed. The Tequesta were eventually decimated by disease brought by the Spaniards. With the Tequesta gone, Seminole Indians moved in and took over the land. In the early 1800’s, white homesteaders came to the area. After many bloody battles with the U.S. military, the remaining Seminole moved to the Everglades in 1858.
The Tuttle and Brickell families who owned land at the mouth of the Miami River, joined with railroad magnate Henry Flagler to bring the railroad to Miami in 1895. With the railroad, a land boom began and settlers came in droves to the new town.
The Great Depression devastated the economy in Miami. By World War II, the U.S. Government had a base, military schools and training fields nearby. To combat the German U-boats that were sinking vessels off the coast, the Navy operated air stations around Miami. Military personnel, allied pilots and navigators filled the hotels and brought economic relief to the area.
Miami Florida – Cruise Ship Capital of the World
Today, Miami Florida is the largest city in the state and a major transportation and tourist hub. The city is considered the “Cruise Ship Capital of the World” and the Gateway to Latin America.
