While Miami is fairly young by European standards, it still encompasses a rich history that outlines some major historical developments in the world economy. Originally the home of Native Americans, Florida was another victim of European colonialism, which explains much of the historical trajectory. Simply the locale of Miami—the water, fertile land, weather, and geographic setting—made it an inevitable hot spot for conflict and development from the very beginning.
The Tequesta Indians are the first known inhabitants of the area of Miami, whose history traces back to 10,000 BC. In the 16th century, the Spanish “rediscovered” the area and took it on as a European colonization project. The Native Americans legacy still lives on—Tequesta Trace Middle School is located in Broward County and Calusa Elementary School in Palm Beach refers to the Calusa Indians who also lived in the region.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon arrived in Florida in 1513 and is still recognized throughout the city—a condo, street, hotel, and middle school are named after him. The Fountain of Youth was allegedly in the state, which is what Ponce de Leon was after. In 1565 Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on modern-day St. Augustine and it became the oldest port city in the country. When the Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolution the Spanish obtained control, which was in affect until 1821 when the United States acquired the entire state.