History of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a relatively young city, having only been on the Florida map since the 19th century. The city has come a long way since that time, however, and is now a modern metropolis on a par with any of the states more developed destinations. The city still pays respects to its past and its original settlers, with various attractions acknowledging the contribution of the Seminole Indians to the areas history.

Early days

Before white settlers arrived in Fort Lauderdale, the area was originally inhabited by a Native American tribe known as the Tequesta Indians, whose period of settlement was brought to an end on account of factors such as disease and war with enemy tribes. After the Tequesta were permanently displaced, the Seminole Indians arrived (19th century) and established a variety of camps in the region that we now know as Fort Lauderdale. It wasnt until the 1820s that white American settlements sprang up with a small group of about 70 led by William Cooley first establishing home in the area. A run-in with the Indians that coincided with the Second Seminole War (in 1835) saw Cooleys family murdered by Seminole hands and this led to the departure of all white settlers from the area. The war brought the troops of Major William Lauderdale into the area and in 1838 he built a fort on a site that is now a significant part of the downtown area; the Indians, however, destroyed the fort just a few months after its construction.

Recent times

It wasnt until the 1890s that more permanent white settlements were established with the first significant event in the process being the arrival of the Ohioan Frank Stranahan, whose house became the areas first trading post and also served as a bank, post office and hotel. That house still stands today and, as Broward Countys oldest building, it now serves as a fascinating museum. In 1911, Fort Lauderdale was incorporated as a town and set to establishing itself as a farming community through the nurturing of its orange groves and the rearing of cattle. The city became prosperous off the back of its agricultural trade, seeing steady growth throughout the 20th century but in particular in the period following the Second World War. In the last few decades, it has grown to become a major tourist destination and is colloquially known as the "Venice of America" on account of its 200 miles of canal waterways.