The early history of Delray Beach dates back to 1870s when the first human activities were recorded within this beautiful coastal land at the southeast of Florida. Other than reports of William Gleason, the then governor of Florida and his wife Sara purchasing some land from this area in 1968, there are no major recorded activities till 1876 when United States Life-Saving Services went on a mission to construct the Orange Grove House of refugees.
Some African-American settlers took up farming as the economic activity at the west of the House of Refugees in 1884 and this was followed up by building of the first school in the area in 1894 in Linton as it was known by then. A Michigan postmaster by the name Linton bought large tract of land which he started to farmers. The success in farming attracted the attention of Henry Flagler who built a rail track and a station for Florida East Coast Railroad in the area in 1896 to support agriculture.
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.
With the booming agriculture and fishing in the area, the economy took a turn for better when tourism and real estate became the focus in 1920s. There was construction of major hotels and other modern infrastructure including roads and decent houses.
There icing on the cake was in 1923 when the town merged with the beach at the east coast of Florida and adopted the name the City of Delray Beach. The towns surrounding the Canal from the eastern and western sides then merged under the name in 1927 to form what is now known as Delray Beach City which pride itself with sparkling resort town that is centered in a thriving winter colony.
With such a humble beginning, the city now boasts many upscale beachside hotels and restaurants. The total land area of just 15.37 square miles carries with it great historical sites including the former Delray Elementary School and High School which were built in 1913, the Cason Cottage dating back to 1915, even the Marina Historic District that was built which was built in between 1922 and 1943.
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.
Navigating through the early history of Delray Beach leaves one with amusement and a burning desire to explore what this heaven on earth has to offer. It goes without saying that joining the wonderful community of Delray is the lifetime gift an individual can give to himself and his family.
Some African-American settlers took up farming as the economic activity at the west of the House of Refugees in 1884 and this was followed up by building of the first school in the area in 1894 in Linton as it was known by then. A Michigan postmaster by the name Linton bought large tract of land which he started to farmers. The success in farming attracted the attention of Henry Flagler who built a rail track and a station for Florida East Coast Railroad in the area in 1896 to support agriculture.
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.
With the booming agriculture and fishing in the area, the economy took a turn for better when tourism and real estate became the focus in 1920s. There was construction of major hotels and other modern infrastructure including roads and decent houses.
There icing on the cake was in 1923 when the town merged with the beach at the east coast of Florida and adopted the name the City of Delray Beach. The towns surrounding the Canal from the eastern and western sides then merged under the name in 1927 to form what is now known as Delray Beach City which pride itself with sparkling resort town that is centered in a thriving winter colony.
With such a humble beginning, the city now boasts many upscale beachside hotels and restaurants. The total land area of just 15.37 square miles carries with it great historical sites including the former Delray Elementary School and High School which were built in 1913, the Cason Cottage dating back to 1915, even the Marina Historic District that was built which was built in between 1922 and 1943.
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.
Navigating through the early history of Delray Beach leaves one with amusement and a burning desire to explore what this heaven on earth has to offer. It goes without saying that joining the wonderful community of Delray is the lifetime gift an individual can give to himself and his family.
About the Author:
Call Delray Beach Florida home by visiting the Seven Bridges community. If you're interested in other Florida homes, visit the GL Homes website.
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