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.
The major economic activity started by the interests of some refugees of African-American decent in farming at the west of the Grove House of Refugees in 1884. Having seen the agricultural potential of this land, the then Michigan postmaster named Linton bought large pieces of land for agriculture. This attracted the attention of Henry Flagler who together with his team built a railway station for East Coast Railroad Company which was completed in 1896.
The period of 1894 to 1990 witnessed different people from many parts of the world immigrating to this place. Other than the Florida natives, there were Germans and other settlers who were after adventure, freedom and economic opportunities that this new haven could offer. The residents of this place had displayed a distinct behavior as evidenced by their early interest in art, education, religion, sports and even the level of bond holding the community together.
The town was initially referred to as Linton after one of its pioneer farmers but the name changed to Delray in 1898 when he left. The name came from a Spanish word which translates to of the King. William Linton left the town after a devastating winter effect that left most of his crops destroyed.
The town was officially chartered in Florida in 1911. The economy took a turn for better in 1920s when tourism and real estate overtook agriculture and fishing as the main economic activities. This witnessed the construction of major hotels and restaurants in addition to the modern infrastructure.
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 city was heavily guarded during the Second World War as the citizens volunteered to watch the beach 24 hours a day with the assistance the patrolling military personnel. After this world war, the vibrancy of the city went a notch higher with prominent figures patronizing restaurants with polo games at the Gulf Stream and Polo Ball in Boca Raton attracting big names.
Living and witnessing the Delray Beach Florida history will be a fulfillment of lifetime dreams. The town is fast growing to take its real place in the modern America and it remains welcoming as it has always does throughout ht history to adventure seekers.
The major economic activity started by the interests of some refugees of African-American decent in farming at the west of the Grove House of Refugees in 1884. Having seen the agricultural potential of this land, the then Michigan postmaster named Linton bought large pieces of land for agriculture. This attracted the attention of Henry Flagler who together with his team built a railway station for East Coast Railroad Company which was completed in 1896.
The period of 1894 to 1990 witnessed different people from many parts of the world immigrating to this place. Other than the Florida natives, there were Germans and other settlers who were after adventure, freedom and economic opportunities that this new haven could offer. The residents of this place had displayed a distinct behavior as evidenced by their early interest in art, education, religion, sports and even the level of bond holding the community together.
The town was initially referred to as Linton after one of its pioneer farmers but the name changed to Delray in 1898 when he left. The name came from a Spanish word which translates to of the King. William Linton left the town after a devastating winter effect that left most of his crops destroyed.
The town was officially chartered in Florida in 1911. The economy took a turn for better in 1920s when tourism and real estate overtook agriculture and fishing as the main economic activities. This witnessed the construction of major hotels and restaurants in addition to the modern infrastructure.
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 city was heavily guarded during the Second World War as the citizens volunteered to watch the beach 24 hours a day with the assistance the patrolling military personnel. After this world war, the vibrancy of the city went a notch higher with prominent figures patronizing restaurants with polo games at the Gulf Stream and Polo Ball in Boca Raton attracting big names.
Living and witnessing the Delray Beach Florida history will be a fulfillment of lifetime dreams. The town is fast growing to take its real place in the modern America and it remains welcoming as it has always does throughout ht history to adventure seekers.
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Call Delray Beach Florida home by visiting the Seven Bridges community. If you're interested in other Florida homes, visit the GL Homes website.