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| Florida agricultural map 1905 State Archives of Florida |
By Jane Feehan
South Florida looks desolate relative to the northern areas of the state in this 1905 agricultural map. Headlines and key news stories a decade or so later point to big plans and expectations. Change was in the air. Snapshots of topics below underscore anticipation of what was to come.
Miami has a future that cannot ... be penetrated. Her climate, geographical and farming capacity are yet to be fully developed but she bears that same position to trade centers as does Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans and New York City. Editorial from Miami Metropolis April 24, 1905
Official “booster of the northwest,” E.M. Elliott of Seattle, Washington is known for his apple-centric displays at “land shows” in New York, Chicago, Omaha, and Pittsburg to encourage people to move to his state. But in March 1913, he takes up permanent residence in Miami where there is “a chance to accumulate great fortune.” The climate is good (he has not yet been here for a summer), as is the outlook for economic growth, he tells reporters. He has his eyes on the soon-to-open Panama Canal and the commerce it will generate for Miami. Note: Endorsements such as Mr. Elliott's were published at least once a week in Miami papers.
Miami’s city council approves funds for the mayor to advertise for bids from companies to operate street cars in 1913. The council states “the opportunity for such investment is unequaled in any other place twice its [Miami’s] size."
Miami grabs national headlines in 1913 as the warmest city in the nation on January 6 with a high of 78 degrees and a low of 74. Miami farmers hope this will increase demand for their fruits and vegetables. Havre, Montana garners mention with the lowest temperature that day of 36 below zero.
Funds are approved by Fort Lauderdale for a survey to “secure deep water in the inlet of the New River.” This is to be followed by estimates to dredge a channel and basin. The work will facilitate the state’s drainage project for the Everglades via a canal, but Fort Lauderdale, “the Gate City” (to the Everglades), also wants to open the mouth of the river to “traffic of the world.” And thus, Port Everglades is conceptualized; it will prove to be a far more successful venture than draining the Everglades. Today, this port ranks second in the state in tonnage just behind PortMiami.
Discussions abound in Miami and Fort Lauderdale about creating a county north of Dade County to include Fort Lauderdale, Dania and other nearby towns. The new county will be named Broward and it may take towns in Dade and perhaps, Palm Beach County. Dade County is not happy about a bigger county to its north. In 1913, Dania backs out and the proposal is tabled – for awhile. Broward County was established April 30, 1915 … and Dania was back in.
World-renowned engineer Isham Randolph, chair of the Everglades Commission (the drainage project), advises the city of Miami to buy up property along the waterfront owned by John N. Lummus (first mayor of Miami Beach 1915-1918) to develop into dockage and a harbor. He, as well as others, anticipate marine traffic coming from the soon-to-open-Panama Canal (opened August 14, 1914). He was right.
Now many ask how to keep people away ... and we keep growing.
Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan
Sources:
The Daily Miami Metropolis, April 24, 1905
Miami News, Jan. 6, 1913
Miami News, March 1, 1913
Miami News, May 2, 1913
Miami Metropolis, May 13, 1913
Miami Metropolis, Aug. 4, 1913
Tags: Florida development, Miami in the 1900s, Fort Lauderdale in the 1900s.
