Miami demonstrates American opportunism and perseverance at its finest. A little luck and an entrepreneurial spirit turned a struggling settlement into a growing city. Ever since, Miami has worked to capitalize on its beautiful climate and stunning setting. Visitors and residents alike cannot help but appreciate Miami's charms.

The Miami area originally was inhabited by Tequesta Indians who called it Mayaimi, which is believed to mean "big water" or "sweet water." Spanish explorers first appeared in the 16th century and attempted to build a mission there and subdue the locals. They failed. A series of wars ensued between 1818 and 1858 in which many were killed. The settlers gradually began to gain the upper-hand and would eventually displace most of the native population.

Spain and Britain would continue to contest control of the regions until 1821 when the United States acquired it. However, the town continued to struggle in its efforts to attract residents, particularly due to its unsafe reputation from the many years of fighting with the Seminole people. However, in 1895, Miami benefited from a record frost that debilitated much of Northern Florida. At the urging of Julia Tuttle-a citrus farmer and successful businesswoman on whose land the city of Miami was built-a rail baron named Henry Flagler extended his railroad line down to Miami.

Completed in April 1896, the railroad brought droves of people whose livelihood had died with the frost to the north. Citrus growers were prevalent, but with them came others such as doctors and merchants, who had a vision of what Miami could become. Another visionary, John Collins, enlisted the help of Carl Fisher (an Indiana entrepreneur) to purchase swamp land in the area that would later become Miami Beach.

The city continued to grow and prosper until World War I and Prohibition. In addition to the Great Depression, Miami was hit with a crippling hurricane. It recovered, however, and the 1930s saw the city once again on its feet and growing. The arrival of World War II began changing the city, as a large military base was placed in South Florida. After the war, many soldiers decided to live in Miami.

The population of the city began another boom in the 1950s. Legal gambling in Miami as well as the city's proximity to the then resort-like Cuba drew many with the desire to bet. Cubans began to move to Miami in large numbers. Two "freedom flights" per day were running between Havana and Miami in 1965, transporting approximately 100,000 Cubans to the city. During a six-month period in 1980, Fidel Castro-feeling the heat of dissenters who were protesting shortages in housing and jobs-suddenly allowed what was called the "Mariel Boatlift," and some 150,000 Cubans were allowed to migrate to Florida, in the largest non-military flotilla in history.

The growing Cuban population began to conflict increasingly with the city's African-American residents, causing riots and violence in the coming years. The racial tensions would eventually lead to such famous riots as the one that covered three days in May 1980 after four white police officers accused of beating a black suspect to death while he was in custody were acquitted by an all-white jury.

In addition to those challenges, Miami also served as a major gateway for drugs entering the country. Ironically, the money that came with those drugs bought renovation that would eventually be beneficial to the city. The television show "Miami Vice" brought national attention to the city and its many challenges, leading to an influx of new people - the rich, the famous and the trendy. The city that started with drugs and gambling became the place to be for important and famous people.

The city capitalized on this new reputation to build its tourism industry, which became increasingly vital to the city's economy. Today it has grown in popularity and trails only New York and Los Angeles as a destination for international travelers. Crime was also brought sharply under control with an impressive 80 percent decrease between 1992 and 1998.

Today Miami's diverse neighborhoods make it an exciting place to live and visit while its thriving economy and perfect climate continue to make it an attractive destination for winter tourists and students alike.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Coral Castle
Engineering and human ingenuity at its finest, Coral Castle was built during a 28-year period in the first half of the 20th century as a tribute to Agnes Scuffs who cancelled her wedding with Ed Leedskalnin one day before the ceremony. Latvian-born Leedskalnin carved and shaped a variety of monuments out of staggeringly heavy coral rock.

How this was possible remains largely a mystery as Ed, who weighed a mere 100 pounds, was careful to work on the heavy coral only when alone. The castle gate is representative of his feats of genius: a nine-ton slab of coral rock serves as the gate, which was constructed on a turnstile so precisely that a child could push it open using only a finger.

Venetian Pool
Another impressive structure utilizing this unique rock resides in the Coral Gables neighborhood. The Venetian Pool was formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923 and today has earned a place on the National Registry of Historic Places. Beautiful waterfalls, coral caves and Venetian-styles groves surround the pool.

Misccosukee Indian Village
After being forced from the Miami area, many of the Seminole tribe found their way to the Everglades on mangrove islands. This village has been set up within the Misccosukee Indian Reservation of the Everglades as a living tribute to the tribe. Visitors can learn about the lifestyle of the tribe by observing traditional chickee huts and perusing the museum. However, one of the biggest draws of the village for visitors is the chance to experience the Everglades and meet the alligators. Resident alligator Tiny (a mere 14-foot creature) amazes visitors as do the alligator wrestling demonstrations. It's even possible to get a picture taken with a small and (relatively) harmless gator.

Ancient Spanish Monastery (St. Bernard's Church)
This beautiful Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was constructed in Sacramenia, Spain between 1133 and 1141. In the 1830s, a social revolution led to the cloisters being seized, sold and converted into a granary. The wealthy American publisher William Randolph Hearst purchased the Cloisters and the Monastery's outbuildings in 1925. About 11,000 crates were needed to transport the dismantled stones of the buildings back to New York.

Unfortunately, this was about the time that hoof-and-mouth disease broke out in that region, and the Department of Agriculture quarantined the crates, burning the hay and not replacing the stones in their original numbered crates that would have allowed the buildings all to be reconstructed exactly. It was not until 1953 that the stones would be purchased by investors wishing to create a tourist attraction. After 19 months and $1.5 million, the buildings finally stood in Miami with only a handful of unmatched stones left over. You probably won't miss them, though, as the church is still an impressive site.

Sources:
( http://www.gocitykids.com )
(Accessed July 14, 2004)

( http://www.lonelyplanet.com )
(Accessed July 14, 2004)