Week in History: April 17 - 24
Events that occurred during the week of April 17th through April 24th in South Florida's history.
OTD: April 17, 1961 - Launch of Invasion of Bay of Pigs
On April 17, 1961, a group of CIA-backed Cuban exiles launched an invasion at the Bay of Pigs, a remote area along the southern coast of Cuba, to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. This failed invasion occurred during the height of the Cold War with Russia and the failure of the operation resulted in a closer relationship between Cuba and the Soviet Union, which led to the subsequent Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962.
The invading Cuban dissidents, known as Brigade 2506, were met with stiff resistance which led to the death of 119 and the capture of over 1200 brigade soldiers during the invasion. There is a Bay of Pigs Museum & Library at 1338 SW 8th Street in Miami, and the Assault Brigade 2506 Museum at 13651 NW 107th Avenue in Hialeah Gardens, documenting the effort and losses of the Cuban exiles that participated in the invasion.
OTD: April 20, 1980 - Mariel Boatlift
On April 20, 1980, the Mariel Boatlift begins after the Castro government declares that all Cubans wanting to leave the country can report to the Port of Mariel, to the southwest of Havana, and leave as part of a boatlift to the United States that took place between April and October of 1980.
In total, the immigration from the Port of Mariel led to more than 125,000 refugees fleeing Cuba who mostly settled in South Florida. Refugees were housed initially in and around the Orange Bowl, but relocated to a camp established under the I-95 overpass near today's Jose Marti Park along the Miami River once football season began in August of 1980.
OTD: April 22, 1896 - First Passenger Service to Miami
On April 22, 1896, the Florida East Coast Railway began regular passenger service to the not yet named City of Miami. The city would get its name on July 28, 1896 as part of the incorporation proceedings.
OTD: April 22, 1987 - NBA Miami Heat Awarded
On April 22, 1987, the Miami Heat was named one of four new NBA franchises. The Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and Minnesota Timberwolves were the other three franchises awarded as part of the 1987 expansion. Let’s Go Heat!
Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book
Get your signed copy of the Brickell Avenue Neighborhood Book by ordering online on the Miami History Blog website. The book shares a pictorial history of the Brickell neighborhood from 1870 through the 1980s. Read more about the contents of this book and purchase your copy by clicking on the button below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to purchase your signed copy online.