South Beach – A Quick History

Miami was officially incorporated in 1896; the same year that Henry Flagler brought the railroad to town. At that time, it was not the booming hot spot as it is today. In fact, the population of the area was scarce to say at best! A fellow from New Jersey, by the name of John Collins, bought some land on an island and paved the way for Miami Beach to be born. A bridge was erected to connect the island to the mainland, and in 1919 more waterfront property was made available by dredging Bristine Bay. It was incorporated and transformed into Miami Beach (or South Beach); extravagant hotels and other top notch developments presumed.

South Beach has had its ups and downs since then. WWII brought enormous growth when service men unpacked their bags and made it their home. Amazing increases in population left its impression, and the people seemed to move on. Other areas and newer attractions were drawing the people away from South Beach. All was not lost. South Beach has seen an exuberant turn around in the 1990’s with a dazzling renewed interest in the area. Business and development sharply increased and it has since remained to mesmerize locals and tourists alike.