Miami Then and Now®: A Comprehensive Visual History of the Magic City’s Transformation and Landmarks

Miami, “the Magic City,” really began in 1891 when a widow from Cleveland, Julia Tuttle, moved to South Florida and convinced Standard Oil cofounder Henry Flagler to help her develop the area. Flagler built a railroad to Miami and the tourists began to arrive, entranced by the orange blossoms and fine weather. During World War II, the city grew as the military moved in to build major training centers that brought thousands of new people into the region.

Sites include: Cape Florida, Royal Palm Hotel, Halcyon Hotel, Point View, Burlingame Island, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Flagler Street, Scottish Rite Temple, Freedom Tower, Biscayne Boulevard, Riverside, Tamiami Trail, Miami River, Coconut Grove, Vizcaya, El Jardin, Pan Am terminal, Coral Gables, Biltmore Hotel, Douglas Entrance, Miracle Mile, Hialeah Race Course, Opa-Locka, Miami Beach, Collins Canal, Fisher Island, Espanola Way, Deauville Hotel, Normandy Isle and Old City Hall.

Arva Moore Parks is the author of Miami: The Magic City. She is an indefatigable historic preservationist and has received the Miami Herald Charles Whited Spirit of Excellence Award.