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the early days...
From its beginnings some 5,000 years ago, people have been drawn to the area we now know as Fort Lauderdale. The prehistoric people of south Florida, known as the "Glades Culture," and the early historic peoples of the area, the Tequestas, enjoyed the abundance of natural resources along Fort Lauderdale's New River.
The Seminoles first appeared in Broward County in the 1820s and were joined by white planters along the river.
The city of Fort Lauderdale is named for a second Seminole war fortification built on the banks of New River in 1838. Major William Lauderdale led Tennessee volunteers south along the east coast of Florida to capture Seminole lands and battle indian warriors. Three Fort Lauderdales were constructed: the first at the fork of New River, Tarpon Bend, and Bahia Mar.
downtown development...
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View of the ca. 1928 Broward County Courthouse located at the site of the present courthouse. This view is of the main entrance, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Southeast 3rd Avenue and Southwest 6th Street.
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View of the west end of East Las Olas Boulevard looking west from about Southeast 1st Avenue, ca 1940s. The building in the center, on Andrews Avenue, still stands and is known today as One River Plaza.
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Fort Lauderdale's very first schoolhouse which was located south of New River on what is today Andrews Avenue at about Southwest 5th Street.
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On October 1, 1915, Broward County was officially created out of Dade County and named for Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, Florida's governor from 1905 to 1909, Until this time, the beach was accessible only by boat...and of course, the beach was one of the major attractions! One of the first items of business for the first County Commission was to build a bridge (actually three bridges) connecting Fort Lauderdale with the beach. The first road to the ocean was called Las Olas, Spanish for "the waves." Meantime, Fort Lauderdale also played a vital role in the defense of our Nation. Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale (located on the current site of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport) trained hundreds of Naval Aviators during World War II. NAS, Ft. Lauderdale also holds the infamous distinction as the point of departure for "Flight 19," which disappeared mysteriously in the "Bermuda Triangle."
broward county now...
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A view from above. Fort Lauderdale's sprawling shoreline boasts over 23 miles of white, sandy beaches. Port Everglades is one of the busiest seaports in the world and our miles of waterways make south Florida a boater's and sportsmans' paradise!
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They were the main attraction for the area's earliest settlers thousands of years ago, and Fort Lauderdale's breathtaking beaches continue to be the big draw for natives and tourists alike!
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Whether you enjoy our tantalizing international cuisine, dance the night away at a red-hot night spots, or take a simple stroll along the beach, Fort Lauderdale's nightlife is electric!
Courtesy: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Perhaps it's our 3,000 hours of annual sunshine and the 77-degree average temperature. Maybe it's our multi-cultural charm, abundant business opportunities or many cultural destinations. Maybe it's our year-round golf, 23 miles of beaches or 300 miles of inland waterways.
Whatever the reason, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County continue to be the destination for families, businesses and "sun worshipers" alike. In fact, Money Magazine, recently named Fort Lauderdale the best big city to live in -- anywhere in the United States. And the more than 6.1 million people visited to the area last year couldn't agree more, including 808,000 from overseas and 358,000 from Canada. Or, the 2.4 million people sailed on one of the 35 cruise ships based at Port Everglades.
From trendy Las Olas Boulevard to the breathtaking city of Weston (and everywhere in between!) Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have a rich history and an even brighter future!
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