While walking around the Northwood Road Historic District in West Palm Beach, I spotted this blue…read morehistorical marker, part of Florida's Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most recognizable public history initiatives. These markers commemorate significant people, places, and events throughout Florida and can be found along roadways, at archaeological sites, battlefields, colleges, schools, churches, historic cemeteries, and historic districts like this one. Historical Marker F-1067 was erected in 2019 by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Florida Department of State. Northwood Road was platted in the early 1920s during Florida's land boom years by the Pinewood Development Company. Today, the historic commercial district encompasses the businesses along Northwood Road between Broadway Avenue to the west and Dixie Highway to the east. Six buildings within the district date to the 1920s, while most were constructed during the second half of the 1940s, with a handful dating to after 1953. Much of this construction boom was a result of the resurgence in residential development following World War II. Most of the buildings are one story with a few two-story structures often feature apartments on the upper floors. Storefronts are typically constructed of glass, brick, concrete block, and stucco, with many of the brick facades painted to match the concrete sections. The extensive use of stucco reflects the influence of Mediterranean Revival architecture and post-World War II construction, both of which are important elements of this architectural districts character. Today, the Northwood Road Historic District, better known as Northwood Village is one of West Palm Beach's most charming commercial areas. Its historic architecture provides a backdrop for businesses that include art galleries, live music venues, locally owned restaurants, cafes, and vintage shops. One of my favorite stores is a Circa Who which sells an eclectic vintage furniture with an emphasis on Palm Beach style and the Day by Day Shoppe which offers a bohemian mixture of new and used items. Along the streets you will see colorful murals. The neighborhood's architecture includes Mediterranean Revival and Mission-style design influences associated with the work of prominent Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner and other master craftsmen of the era. In 2016, Northwood Road was added to the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places as a historic district, helping preserve the architectural character and history of this unique part of the city. I always enjoy stumbling across these historical markers while exploring South Florida. They offer a glimpse into the often forgotten stories behind the neighborhoods we pass through every day. for fans of historic architecture, Northwood Village is a great neighborhood to explore..

In the 1920s, Florida was relatively undeveloped. Over the 1920s and 1930s, there was a migration…read moreof workers who settled in Florida. Today, Historic Northwood Historic District is a quaint historic commercial district. Love the charming quaint atmosphere. Its distinguished architecture--Mediterranean Revival and Mission style--reflect the historic development era of the mid-1920s made famous by Addison Mizner throughout South Florida. Builders associated with the famed architect carried his vision of design and scale from Palm Beach to the eastern shore of Lake Worth where Northwood began. Many architects and builders of the 1920s, such as John Volk, William King and Henry Harvey, built their historic homes near this commercial district here. Nice to be able to see a reminder of the indelible mark they left on Northwood and the historic buildings that have been completely restored in recent decades in the surrounding area.

If you want to experience Revolutionary War history in Florida, there isn't much to see. Most of…read moreFlorida remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution, but as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, there are a few reminders of the Revolution if you know where to look. Chapters of organizations such as the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution and local Daughters of the American Revolution chapters have placed memorials and markers throughout the state. One of these Revolutionary War memorials can be found in West palm Beach. While visiting Monceaux Park in West Palm Beach, I discovered this historic marker along the Lake Worth Lagoon. I'm familiar with Florida's blue heritage markers, but this was my first time coming across a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) marker. The America 250 Patriot Marker was unveiled in October 2025 and honors the Revolutionary War patriots who fought for and secured American independence. The marker was sponsored by the Henry Morrison Flagler Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a chapter based in Gulf Stream, Florida. Founded on May 26, 1995, the chapter is named for Henry Morrison Flagler, the industrialist and Florida East Coast Railway pioneer whose railroad played a major role in transforming Florida. The chapter promotes patriotism, historic preservation, and education through activities such as historical lectures, teas, and luncheons featuring authors, local historians, and presentations on American and Florida history. Members also participate in patriotic commemorations and community events, including local Veterans Day celebrations. The marker is part of the nationwide America 250 initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. It was unveiled alongside city officials, including West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James, to honor the men and women who fought for liberty and helped establish the nation. I always enjoy coming across historic markers like this one because they offer a chance to learn something new about American history while exploring local parks and communities. This marker is a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by the patriots of the Revolutionary era and the importance of preserving their legacy.

The Mango Promenade Historic District marker in downtown West Palm Beach is part of the Florida…read moreHistorical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, cemeteries, historic buildings, churches, colleges, and historic districts like this one. Historic marker F-1169 was installed in 2021 by the Mango Promenade Historic Neighborhood Association and the Florida Department of State. Located less than a mile from Clematis Street is the Mango Promenade District, designated in 1999. The district was named after a pedestrian walkway that cuts through the neighborhood, originally linking South Dixie Highway to South Olive Avenue. The neighborhood is bounded by South Dixie Highway, Austin Lane, Coconut Lane, and Cranesnest Way. The Mango Promenade District contains 125 historic buildings built from the 1910's to 1920's. The first homes were built in 1912 but most were built between 1917 and 1926. Two of the most notable historic homes are the 1924 Comeau House at 701 Flamingo Drive and the Rice House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fun fact: the houses in this historic neighborhood were built with garages to accommodate Model Ts, making it the first neighborhood in the city planned around cars. This was one of West Palm Beach's earliest upper middle class neighbors. Early residents included a school principal, the editor of the area's first newspaper, and a former city attorney. Construction came to an end due to the Florida land bust in 1926 brought on by hurricanes and the Great Depression. By the 1970's and 1980's, houses here were mostly rentals and many were in disrepair. Today the neighborhood has turned a corner with many owners appreciating the neighborhood for its location, history, and sense of community.

I enjoy exploring the architecture of the historic districts of West Palm Beach. There are twelve…read morehistoric districts mar\ked by blue historical markers. These historic districts were created when Henry Flagler brought the railroad to West Palm Beach. The Belair Historic District is between South Flagler Drive and South Dixie Highway. It is bounded by Plymouth Road on the south and Pilgrim Road to the north. Belair was developed from 1925 to 1935 as a neighborhood where the tradesmen and real estate salesmen who helped build and develop Palm Beach County lived. In 1885 South Carolina author James Woods Davidson acquired the area as part of a Homestead Act. He in turn sold the land to early pioneer, Englishman Richard Hone. Hone turned it into a pineapple plantation and he and his wife Mary lived in a frame vernacular home at 211 Plymouth Road. In 1902 Hone was shot to death at the age of 43 during a storm while writing a letter at his dining room table as his wife sat beside him. One of Hone's employees was caught a few days later and charged with the murder. He was hung for the crime in Miami. In 1985 the grave of Richard Hone and his infant sons Edward and Robert were discovered beneath the Norton Museum of Art where they still lay today. After the Hone murder, the property was sold in 1923 to William and Sophie Ohlhaber to grow coconut palms and ferns. George Curie platted the land for a subdivision and sold off in lots. The Ohihaber's owned the first house built, a mission-style home at 205 Pilgrim. In 1947 Hone's house was bought by Max Brombacher, Henry Flagler's chief engineer, and it remains in the Brombacher family today. Homes in this neighborhood were built after WWI during Florida's land boom years in the 1920's and early 1030's. Architectural styles include Mediterranean Revival, Mission Revival, and Wood-Frame and Masonry Vernacular style houses. Belair became West Palm Beach's fourth historic district in August 1993. Historic Marker F-1201 was installed in 2022 by the South End Neighborhood Association and the Florida Department of State. You can find it in the swale next to the lake Worth Lagoon.

Girl with a Shawl is a five foot-tall bronze statue located in West Palm Beach's Flamingo Park…read more While you might think its just a public art piece, it actually carries a much deeper meaning. What many visitors don't realize is that Flamingo Park is also a cemetery. Approximately 100 people are believed to be buried beneath the grass, although no one knows the exact number. During the early 1900s, families who could not afford a formal burial often came here under the cover of darkness to lay their loved ones to rest. The land was purchased from the City of West Palm Beach in 1902 by the Lakeside Cemetery Association and became an African American cemetery during the era of segregation, while white residents were buried at Pioneer Memorial Park on the site where the Norton Museum of Art now stands. In 1913, the city attempted to reclaim the property for development, but the effort was blocked by the Florida Supreme Court. Burials eventually ceased, and five years later the land was donated back to the city. It was transformed into a public park called Dixie Playground before later being renamed Flamingo Park after the surrounding historic neighborhood. The city made additional attempts to redevelop the property, proposing housing in 1966 and an exotic car showroom in 1991. Both plans were ultimately defeated after neighborhood residents rallied to preserve the park. In 2007, improvements funded through a city bond issue transformed the park with new walkways, benches, and landscaping. The redesign was led by local architect Wayne Villavaso. As part of the renovation, the city installed Girl with a Shawl, a five-foot bronze sculpture chosen to serve as a symbolic memorial to the forgotten men, women, and children buried beneath the park. Rather than commemorating one individual, the statue represents the many people whose names and stories have been lost to history. While Flamingo Park is now a peaceful neighborhood green space, Girl with a Shawl stands with a quiet dignity and she reminds me of an important chapter in West Palm Beach's history that should never be forgotten.

I am a fan of 1920's Mediterranean Revival architecture and love the El Cid neighborhood in West…read morePalm Beach. There are 281 historic structures located in the boundaries of Flamingo Drive, South Flagler Drive, Dyer Road and South Dixie Highway. El Cid was one of the few areas of Florida without any Native American history because the area was isolated from the rest of Florida by the Everglades. The first permanent resident to this western shore of Lake Worth was Benjamin Lainhart who built a cabin near Barcelona Road with the help of his cousin William. Lainhart started the first commercial pineapple farm and the land in this area was mainly pineapple farms. Disease ruined the pineapple industry in the early 1900's. Henry Flagler brought the railroad in 1894 and the town of West Palm Beach became incorporated causing a population explosion. In the 1920's, the Florida land boom resulted in population doubling again. Jay Phipps, the son of Andrew Carnegie's partner in U.S. Steel created the neighborhood with the old pineapple fields. He named it El Cid after Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar (1040-1099), a Spaniard who led Castilians and Iberian Moors to conquer Valencia in 1094. Cid is an Arabic term meaning lord. Between 1923 and 1926 upscale Mediterranean Revival and Mission style homes were sold on lots but the land boom bust after hurricanes and the Great Depression halted further building. WWII brought in new people and construction that filled in the empty lots. After a downturn in the 1960's, this neighborhoods beautiful homes and proximity to the water and downtown makes it highly sought after today. Historic homes range in the one million to three million range. The very first home built in El Cid in 1922 at 282 Barcelon Rd, is currently on the market for $2,695.000. One of the most well known homes and the only one you can tour in this neighborhood, is the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. This house turned museum once belonged to artist Ann and her husband Ralph Norton. Ralph founded the Norton Art Museum in West Palm Beach which is where he met his second wife Ann. The El Cid District is listed on the local, State, and National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood maintains and supports the landscaping with dues from it's El Cid neighborhood association. There is a marker along the Lake Worth Lagoon describing the historical importance of this neighborhood.

I'm a fan of 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture, so I always enjoy exploring El Cid, one of…read morethe most beautiful historic neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. The El Cid Historic District contains 281 historic structures, many of them gorgeous examples of Mediterranean Revival and Mission-style architecture. El Cid is listed on the local, state, and National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood association helps maintain the community's distinctive landscaping through membership dues, helping preserve the character that makes El Cid so special. The neighborhood's history also extends to the waterfront. Along South Flagler Drive, the historic El Cid dock sits on the Lake Worth Lagoon. El Cid doesn't have a park. Instead there is a walkway along South Flagler Drive and this dock that since the 1920s land boom, has served as a gathering place where residents could fish, enjoy the water, and star gaze. Storms eventually damaged the original wooden dock, and it was closed in the early 2010s because the deteriorating structure had become unsafe. In 2016, the City of West Palm Beach completed a $211,000 replacement pier. The new 53.5 foot long concrete and piling restored dock continues to provide a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the waterfront. While people might come to fish I enjoyed the scenic view of the Lake Worth Lagoon. There is a historical marker along the lagoon that tells the story of El Cid and highlights the neighborhood's importance to West Palm Beach's history.

While exploring Worth Avenue, I came across one of Palm Beach's more unusual bits of history, the…read moregrave of Johnnie Brown. Johnnie Brown was the famous pet spider monkey of Addison Mizner (1872-1933), one of Florida's most influential architects and the leading figure behind the Mediterranean Revival style that came to define much of South Florida in the 1920s. Johnnie Brown was Mizner's beloved companion and became something of a celebrity in Palm Beach society. Known as the Human Monkey, he would ride on Mizner's shoulder as they traveled along Worth Avenue and attended lavish parties and high society events. Backed by Mizner, Johnnie Brown even ran for mayor. Mizner kept an menagerie of exotic animals including macaws, anteaters, raccoons and two other monkeys, Ethel and Deuteronomy but Johnnie Brown was his favorite. Johnnie Brown died on April 30, 1927. Today, Johnnie Brown's grave sits in the courtyard of what was once part of Mizner's estate and is now home to Pizza Al Fresco. His headstone reads, "Johnnie Brown, the Human Monkey." Local lore says that Johnnie's spirit still lingers around his old home, and some nearby businesses have continued the tradition of leaving out small dishes of sliced bananas to appease his ghost. You will still find tributes to Johnnie Brown all over Boca Paton and Palm Beach. For instance the statue of Mizner atop a clock tower at Royal Palm Place off of Federal Highway features Johnnie Brown perched on his shoulder and the Boca Raton Resort and Club has the Monkey Bar.