Downtown Miami Historic District
a.k.a. FMSF #DA5365
Roughly bounded by Miami Ct, 3rd St., 3rd Ave., and 2nd St., Miami, FL Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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.
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.
In the late 19th century, Miami began its transformation from a small settlement to a city. The construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1896 connected Miami to the rest of the state, stimulating growth and attracting settlers. The region also benefitted from the Florida land boom of the 1920s, which brought an influx of investors and development to Miami-Dade County. However, the crash of the stock market in 1929 led to an economic depression that severely impacted the region.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Miami-Dade County experienced significant population growth and cultural shifts. In the 1950s and 1960s, many Cuban exiles fled to Miami following the Cuban Revolution, establishing a strong Cuban-American presence and shaping the city's culture and economy. The 1980s brought an influx of immigrants from Central and South America, further diversifying the population and contributing to Miami's status as a global hub.
In recent years, Miami-Dade County has faced challenges such as urban sprawl and issues related to climate change and sea-level rise. The county continues to be a major economic and cultural center, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and diverse communities. It remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Miami-Dade County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
- 1825 - The Territory of Florida establishes Dade County
- 1896 - Dade County is renamed as Miami-Dade County
- 1920s - Miami undergoes a real estate boom, attracting many investors and tourists
- 1926 - The Great Miami Hurricane devastates the area, causing significant damage and loss of life
- 1930s - The construction of the Tamiami Trail connects Miami to the west coast of Florida
- 1959 - Fidel Castro's revolution in Cuba leads to a large influx of Cuban refugees in Miami
- 1963 - Miami-Dade County's population reaches 1 million
- 1980s - Miami experiences a surge in drug-related violence and a wave of immigration from Central and South America
- 1992 - Hurricane Andrew hits Miami-Dade County, causing widespread destruction
- 2001 - Miami-Dade County's population exceeds 2 million
- 2012 - Miami-Dade County celebrates its 100th anniversary