29 Apr About Miami
Miami’s position as a major US tourist resort didn’t really come about until 1884 when an English couple, Charles and Iabella Peacock, opened their first hotel. But, while they may have built the first hotel in the region the person given most credit for Miami’s development as a top tourist resort is one Julia Tuttle, a widow from Cleveland who moved to the region in 1891 and bought the entire north bank of the Miami railroad. Following her purchase she turned to the state’s renowned railroad builder, Henry Flagler who she eventually persuaded to extend his railway to Miami. This turn of events had a profound effect on the entire region where the population doubled in just three years and the city continued to flourish throughout the decades.
In 1960 the arrival of hordes of Cuban refugees meant that Miami became a bilingual city and in the decades that followed the host of Latino and other immigrants which settled in the city ensured that Miami earned its position as one of the most international cities on the planet. This trait is visible the instant you arrive in the city and is what makes it such a special place to visit. Its eclectic mix of cultures makes it one of the most vibrant and colourful destinations you could ever choose. Add to this its wonderful semi tropical climate and endless stretches of white sandy beaches and the host of attractions and entertainment on offer and what more could you ask for?
In 1996 Miami celebrated its centennial amidst singing, dancing and a mass fireworks display. It has seen a great deal of change in the hundred years since it was founded but as a visitor to the city you will see that all of these developments and transitions have done nothing to hinder its popularity as a major tourist resort.