Miami's origins

Miami's origins are deeply tied to the efforts of key individuals and historical events in the late 19th century. Initially, what we now know as Miami was a small settlement called Fort Dallas, with fewer than 500 people. Julia Tuttle, a prominent figure often regarded as one of Miami's founders, moved from Cleveland to Fort Dallas and saw the potential for the settlement to grow into a significant city. To achieve this, she worked tirelessly to attract development, including remodeling settlement structures for living and persuading railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his railroad to the area 1.

Flagler was initially uninterested because he saw no immediate need to extend his railroad beyond Palm Beach. However, a severe freeze in 1894, which devastated citrus crops elsewhere in Florida but spared the Miami area, prompted Flagler to reconsider. Julia Tuttle leveraged this opportunity, highlighting the favorable climate and potential of the region. Flagler was convinced and extended his railroad to Miami, which led to rapid development and the establishment of the city 2.

Flagler played a significant role in Miami's urban planning, even influencing the decision to name the city after the Native American term "Miami" instead of "Flagler" 2. His development strategy involved building a large hotel, the Royal Palm, and using it as a catalyst for further growth. Within three months of his decision, Miami was incorporated as a city 2.