For many South Florida Natives, the name Julia Tuttle brings to mind the causeway used to get to Biscayne Bay. However, the name did come from a very important history for the City of Miami.
Considered the Mother of Miami, Julia Tuttle is the only woman to have founded a major American City. After the death of her husband, she moved to South Florida, where she had bought more than a hundred acre land on the Miami River. At this time, South Florida was just everglades and empty land. She had a vision that this vast land could be an important location for North American trade with South America. However, because they did not have access to the most popular means of transportation at the time— Trains. With the help of Henry Flagler, the railroads were extended to South Florida. Together Flagler and Tuttle laid the foundation for what would become modern-day Miami. On July 28th, 1896 the City of Miami was born. The dedication and vision of Julia Tuttle led to create one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the country. Julia Tuttle died September 14th, 1898 in the city she created. Today we celebrate the achievements of the Mother of Miami, Julia Tuttle.
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