The Ancient Events Of Delray Beach In Florida

By Jony Mozen


The land where the beautiful city of Delray now occupies had no recorded human activities as revealed by the early history of Delray Beach till the 1870s when there were reports of the then governor of Florida by the name William and his wife Sara Gleason buying significant portions of land in the area where the city now occupies. 1876 saw the United States of American Life-Saving Services construct the Orange Grove House in the area. Other than for refugees use, the building was meant to be a rescue center for the victims of a ship wreck.

The refugees in the Grove House who were mainly of African American origin took up farming and fishing in the area in 1884. This revealed the great agricultural potential that attracted the Michigan postmaster named Linton who bought large tracts of land and went into farming. The economic activity was however boosted by the construction of a rail tract and a station for the East Coast Railroad by Henry Flagler and his team in 1896.

The place became very popular from 1894 when many farmers from far and wide started flocking. They included both Germans and members of Spanish origins both from Florida and all over the world. Majority of them were after the economic activities such as agriculture and fishing while others were just after adventure and the freedom this place had to offer. The distinct character portrayed by the residents here could be noticed from the moment this community started living together from their interest in sports, religion, education, arts and even the deep bond holding them together.

The town was named Delray, meaning (Of the King) in Spanish as recorded by books narrating Delray Beach Florida history in 1898 when William Linton left the town after having suffered heavily losses resulting from extremely cold winter that left many crops dead. The town was later on officially chartered in 1911 in Florida.

1920s saw the economy of this town take a drastic turn from pineapple and tomato farming to tourism and real estate which were now the booming businesses. This was accompanied by construction of the modern infrastructure and hotels.

The town became even more significant in 1923 with the beach area around the canal at the east coast of Florida merged with it to form the City of Delray Beach. Another significant merger took place in 1927 as the towns at the east and west of Canal became part of the city. The tourism and real estate in addition to the native economical activities of farming and fishing made the town blossom into a sparkling resort town centered in a thriving winter colony.

With such a humble historical background, the city now bride itself with the best beach resorts, hotels and restaurants United States has to offer. There are several historical sites within this 15.37 square miles land mass with historical sites such as the Elementary School and High School of Delray built in 1913, the Cason Cottage of 1915, Marina Historic District completed in 1943 and not forgetting the famous Orange Grove of 1876 among others.

The Second World War saw the patriotism of the residents of this city tested to a great extent as volunteers ended up guarding the city throughout the day and the night with the security personnel patrolling the coast. Polo games at the Gulf Stream and Polo Ball in Boca Raton still attract many prominent people to this place.

This city offers a unique adventure for those who relocate there as most having given reports that that is their best decision in life. Delray Beach Florida history provides all the reasons why this remains the most attractive city to leave United States.




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