Week in History: July 17 - 24
Events that occurred during the week of July 17th through the 21th in South Florida's history.
OTD: July 17, 1821 - Spain Officially Transfers Florida to the United States
On July 17,1821, Spain officially transfers Florida to the United States in a ceremony in Pensacola. This was the second of two ceremonies with the first taking place in Saint Augustine on July 10, 1821.
OTD: July 17, 1968 - The Roney Plaza Hotel was Demolished
Designed by Schultze & Weaver and financed by N.B.T. Roney, the Roney Plaza Hotel, which opened on February 6, 1926, was razed on this day, July 17, in 1968. Above is a photograph of the Roney Plaza Hotel in 1948 (left), and the demolition of the hotel in 1968. Today, the Roney Palace Condos sit on the former footprint of the old grand hotel built by N.B.T. Roney.
OTD: July 18, 1961 - Four Slot Machines were Discovered in the Brickell Mausoleum
On July 18, 1961, four slot machines were found in the empty mausoleum that once served as the final resting place for members of the Brickell family. Investigators at the time did not know who had placed them there, but the slot machines were quickly taken into police custody.
OTD: July 20, 1911 - Parade Down Flagler Street to Celebrate City Milestone
On July 20, 1911, the City of Miami begins a multi-day celebration to celebrate its milestone 15th year since incorporation. On this day, in addition to a variety of events, there was a parade of decorated cars traveling down Twelfth Street, today's Flagler Street, that concluded at Royal Palm Park.
OTD: July 20, 1912 - Construction began on John Sewell’s Halissee Hall
On July 20, 1912, construction began for John Sewell's Halissee Hall. It still stands today as part of the Jackson Medical Complex in Miami.
OTD: July 20, 1974 - Wynwood Park renamed Roberto Clemente Park
On July 20, 1974, Wynwood Park was renamed Roberto Clemente Park in honor of the all-star Puerto Rican baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who died in a plane crash bringing aid to victims of an earthquake in Managua, Nicaraqua.
OTD: July 21, 1911 - Miami Celebrates 15th Birthday with Air Show
On July 21, 1911, as part of the celebration of Miami's 15th birthday, the first aeroplane flight in Miami was flown over the golf grounds associated with the Royal Palm Hotel. The flight was piloted by aviation pioneer, Howard Gill.
OTD: July 22, 1912 - Work Begins on Collin’s Bridge
On July 22, 1912, work began on the Collins bridge to connect Miami to the future Miami Beach. Collins secured a loan from the Bank of Bay Biscayne to begin work on what would become one of the, if not the, longest wooden bridges constructed. However, he underestimated the cost to build the bridge and ran out of money before its completion. Carl Fisher provided the necessary capital to complete the bridge in exchange for land on the future Miami Beach. The bridge was completed and officially opened on June 12, 1913.
OTD: July 23, 1836 - Cape Florida Lighthouse Attacked
On July 23, 1836, the Cape Florida Lighthouse was attacked and set a flame by Seminole Indians. It was restored and now is the oldest standing structure in South Florida.
OTD: July 24, 1964 - Florida Turnpike Completed
On July 24, 1964, the Florida Turnpike, originally known as the Sunshine State Parkway, was completed with the extension from Orlando to Miami.
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.