History of Miami Beach Development

Early Beginnings

1870: Henry Lum and his son Charles purchased land from the federal government for 25 cents an acre in what is now Miami Beach.
Initially, the area was a nearly deserted barrier peninsula, not an island.
The landscape:
- Tall mangroves on the bay side.
- Swampy interior with concave areas collecting water.
- Windswept beach on the ocean side.

Lum Family: Attempted to farm coconuts, which failed due to wind and rats.
John Collins (New Jersey Pioneer):
- Bought the property and planted exotic produce like mangoes, tomatoes, and avocados.
- Cleared mangroves and rats, planted Australian pine trees for wind protection.
- Cut a canal to transport crops to the mainland.

Background:
- Auto parts mogul from Indiana, developed the first practical automobile headlights.
- Built the Indianapolis Speedway, dubbed the Brickyard.
- Promoted the first major highway, Lincoln Highway, and constructed the Dixie Highway.
Miami Beach Development:
- Partnered with Collins to complete a road bridge across Biscayne Bay.
- Created a resort city with Thomas Pankhurst and the Loomis brothers.
- Developed Miami Beach into a winter retreat for the wealthy.

Construction and Urban Development:
- Built the Flamingo Hotel, recreational grounds, and public amenities like the Roman pool and casino.
- Created Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue as major thoroughfares.
- Developed transportation links including a trolley system.

1926 Hurricane:
- Caused significant destruction, thousands left homeless, and ended the real estate boom.
Great Depression:
- Stock market crash halted further extravagant developments.
Carl Fisher’s Decline:
- Over-invested in northern Miami Beach scheme, lost fortune, died in 1939.

Recognized as one of the great visionaries for transforming Miami Beach.
Memorial placed on Alton Road.
Largely forgotten despite significant contributions to Miami Beach's development.
Famous for his quote on preferring the challenge of seeing "the dirt fly."