National Register Listing

Mai-Kai Restaurant

a.k.a. NA/FMSFBD05104

3599 N. Federal Hwy., Oakland Park, FL
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce entertainment recreation
Audiobooks about the history of Florida.
The Everglades, one of Florida's most iconic natural landmarks, was not always a protected area. In fact, it was once considered a worthless swamp and was drained and developed for agricultural purposes in the early 20th century.
Florida random facts
Broward County, located in southeastern Florida, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to various indigenous tribes, including the Tequesta, Calusa, and Seminole tribes. These tribes thrived on the region's abundant natural resources, such as fish, shellfish, and game.

In the early 19th century, Broward County was sparsely populated and primarily used for agriculture and ranching. The vast Everglades covered much of the area, making it difficult for development. However, with the draining of the swamplands and the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in the late 19th century, the region saw increased settlement and growth.

The county is named after Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, who served as governor of Florida from 1905 to 1909. Broward was instrumental in the draining and development of the Everglades, which allowed for further expansion and economic development in the county. The creation of the county in 1915 marked the beginning of Broward's modern era.

Throughout the 20th century, Broward County continued to grow rapidly. The construction of highways, such as Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, facilitated easier access to the area. The county's population boomed after World War II, with the rise of suburban development and tourism. Today, Broward County is known for its beautiful beaches, thriving tourism industry, diverse communities, and vibrant cultural scene.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Broward County, Florida.

  • 1915 - Broward County is established on April 30, named after former Florida Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward.
  • 1925 - The Florida land boom leads to a population increase and economic growth in Broward County.
  • 1950s - The construction of major highways, such as the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 95, promotes further development in the county.
  • 1962 - The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is opened.
  • 1970s - The tourism industry begins to boom in Broward County, attracting visitors from around the world.
  • 1992 - Hurricane Andrew causes significant damage in Broward County.
  • 2000s - Broward County experiences rapid population growth and urbanization.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Wilma hits the county, causing widespread destruction and power outages.
  • 2010s - Broward County becomes a cultural hub, with a vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings.