I love learning about the history of this area and I stumbled on this historical marker while…read morevisiting Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. The city of Ft. Lauderdale got its name from the forts erected my Major Lauderdale during the Seminole Wars. The forts no longer exist but you can see a replica of one with other artifacts at the New River Inn History Ft. Lauderdale Museum. Altogether, three forts named after Major Lauderdale were constructed: the first at the fork of New River; the second at Tarpon Bend; and the third and largest was built in 1839 under the command of Captain William B. Davidson on the beach at the site of Bahia Mar which is where this marker is. The fort was the site of a haulover where the Seminoles took their canoes from New River Sound into the Atlantic Ocean. Third Fort Lauderdale was active until 1842 when the war ended. The marker was first erected by the Himmarshee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1929 and it was restored in 2005. The first fort was in what is now Maj. William Lauderdale Park in Sailboat Bend. Major William Lauderdale was born in Virginia. He was a land holder and slave owner in Tennessee. He served under Andrew Jackson. In 1838 Major Lauderdale was in his 50's and a Veteran of the War of 1812 and the First Seminole War. The Major and a group of 200 Tennessee Volunteers were posted to the area after the outbreak of the Second Seminole War. The troops marched from Fort Jupiter down what is known as Military Trail in Palm Beach and called Powerline Rd. in Broward County. Pioneer William Cooley's wife, children, and tutor had been massacred two years earlier on their New River settlement and the army had been sent to hunt for Seminole leader Sam Jones. Lauderdale chased Jones to his hiding place at Pine Island at the North Fork of the New River. A battle took place that resulted in one soldier hurting his finger. Sam Jones was able to hide in Everglades with 200 of his people. The result of the Seminole's escape was that they are the only tribe to never sign a peace treaty with the U. S. Government. The fort was abandoned 3 months later and by the time troops returned, they found it had burned down to the ground. Lauderdale considered his job completed and he left to go back to Tennessee. He never returned to the area that bore his name. Instead he died of a lung condition on the way home to Tennessee in army barracks in Louisiana one month after leaving South Florida. The Seminoles now own the Hard Rock empire.

You won't find a European building this old in the Americas! Built in the 12th century in Spain,…read moreit was packed up and brought to Miami last Century. Peaceful grounds and remarkable antiquity, the Monastery offers a unique experience in Miami. 44 minutes is more than enough time for a self-guided wander across the grounds, but arrive by Noon for a guided tour (which I missed). Also, check the calendar on their website as they close for many private events.

I came to this establishment because I greatly enjoy history and wanted to have the opportunity to…read moretake photos of the architecture and perhaps a video explaining what I've learned about this beautiful place. Unfortunately, the business that runs this monastery is predatory in nature. As it happens, my ancestor, William R. Hearst, was the original proprietor of the monestary when it arrived in the United States. They insist that photos can only be taken from Wednesday to Saturday, and you must schedule an appointment with a fee of nearly $400 to take portraits or photographs. The woman at the front desk was preventing us from entering the monastery without discarding any equipment that can be used for taking photos. I will add that she was extremely rude, yelling at me and my mother when we were clearly unaware of the rule. Don't come here; it's a complete waste of time; the history is very fascinating, and the building seems to be relatively well kept, but they not only charge you for entry, but additionally charge for you to take photos. $400 mandatory. There are many other beautiful historic places around Miami to visit; I would never recommend going here. Save yourself the $410 and go to the nearby lighthouse, or early 1890s church in Miami instead. The Art Deco District is also very nice. The fact that they charge an exorbitant fee to enter the premises for taking photographs is highly reminiscent of the exact reason why Martin Luther had nailed his list to the door of the Catholic Church. God frowns upon an institution that calls itself religious and charges up the wazoo for people to share information about it. To the people running this facility: do better. Be nicer. Let people explore and interact with this treasure.

A twelve foot tall solid steel 19th century British Admiralty Anchor (possibly from the wreckage of…read morethe British cartel ship sunk November 1, 1804) proudly standing along the historic Riverside park with amazing river views. It was placed in honor of Capt Peter Throckmorton the father of Marine Archaeology - THE END

Along Riverwalk Plaza in front of the historic New River Inn which is now a museum is another bit…read moreof interesting history. Mounted along the river is an British boat anchor that may have belonged to the L'Athenaise, a British cartel ship that sunk November 1, 1804. On the boat were 174 French prisoners of war. The anchor was discovered in 1967 off the Barefoot Mailman hotel in Hillsboro Beach. Given credit for the discovery along with several other people including his wife Deo, is Mel Fisher who famously discovered the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The anchor was placed by the Marine Archaeological Council in honor of Capt Peter Throckmorton (1928-1990) "father of marine archaeology An admiralty anchor is a type of large vessel fluke anchor also known as a fisherman. This type of anchor has been used since ancient times. On one end of the shank of the anchor is a ring for attaching rope or chain through it to the boat. On the other end of the shank are the two flukes that once dropped, will dig into the sea floor to anchor the boat in place. One fluke digs in and one remains up which sometimes dislodges the boat and then it needs to be reset. I have watched people pass by without giving the anchor a second glance but if you stop and read the plaque you will see what a cool piece of maritime history this is. There is quite a bit of the past to be discovered along Ft. Lauderdale's Riverwalk.

I was checking out the new signs that are part of Sailboat Bend walking trail when I noticed this…read morehistoric marker for Rivermont. It is part of the Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. The markers raise awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue 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 buildings, schools, forts, roads, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, historic districts, and archaeological sites like this one. Historic marker F-1228 was installed in 2023 by the City of Ft. Lauderdale and the Florida Department of State. Rivermont is an archaeological site on the north bank of the New River in the Sailboat Bend Historic District. Around 700 BCE this was a thriving village and ceremonial complex for the Tequesta, the prehistoric inhabitants of this area. The Tequesta were an indigenous people who inhabited southeast Florida from Boca Raton to Key West, and in the Everglades. They lived on fish, shellfish, berries and small game and were well adapted to the environment of South Florida. They thrived for 2,000 years until they were victims of war and disease brought by Europeans in the 1500's. By the 1800's they had all died out. In 2006, a Seminole blue glass trade bead was discovered indicating that Seminoles used this area during their trips on the New River in the 1800's. Rivermont is the best preserved prehistoric site in eastern Broward County. It has one of the deepest surviving black earth middens on the New River. Middens are a kind of ancient garbage dump that can tell you a lot about the people who lived here. Rivermont's existence has been known since the 19th century. It was mentioned in an 1896-1897 guidebook for Dade County, which later became Broward County. Prominent American archaeologist Mark Raymond Harrington, who conducted some of the earliest archaeological investigations in Broward County, visited the site in 1908. In 2016, the Rivermont House from which this site takes its name was demolished. You can still see the masonry wall, gate posts, and paved tracks of a road. The City of Fort Lauderdale designated Rivermont as a local archaeological site in 2021 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. Today Rivermont is Tequesta Park across the street from another significant historical site, the first Fort Lauderdale.

Lemon City is an unincorporated area that predates Miami. It was established right after the Civil…read moreWar. Lemon City was a farming community that sprang up in the1850's, 26 years before the founding of Miami. The community took their name from the unusually sweet lemon trees that grew in the area. By the time Miami was incorporated, Lemon City already had a population of 300 people. Lemon City had the areas oldest school, the Lemon City School, and the first library, the Lemon City Library. Lemon City was segregated with Black families living in three neighborhoods, Nazarine, Boles Town, and Knightsville. The exact boundaries of Lemon City have been lost to time since it was never incorporated. During the 1980's many Haitian immigrants made what was once Lemon City their home. The area has now been designated as Little Haiti which upset some of the descendants of the pioneers of Lemon City who thought the name change was insulting to their history. To be more inclusive of all of the history of the area, 10 historical signs marking the history of Lemon City were erected by the Mayor's office. Markers were placed at the Lemon City Train Station, Lemon City Pharmacy, Lemon City Library, and here at the neighborhood that used to be Lemon City Nazarene. The neighborhood of Nazarene was bounded by Northeast Seventy-First Street to the north, Northeast Third Avenue to the east, and Northeast Second Avenue to the west. The name Nazarene was taken from the bible and it was pronounced Naz'ree. Nazarene was part pineland and part prairie, and it included a muddy low lying area called a slough (slew). This area was platted by a white farmer named Louis W. Pierce in 1900. Pierce owned a lot of land in Lemon City and he needed a place for his Bahamian workers to live. In the mid-20th century due to a variety of factors, many residents shifted to other places in Miami. The Lemon City African American cemetery located in Nazarene was lost during this time. It was rediscovered in 2009 and it also has a historic marker. As a a fan of history, I love discovering Florida's historic markers. The ones located in Lemon City have taught me the story of the former slaves and Bahamian pioneers who built Miami. Lemon City was swallowed up by the northern edge of the City of Miami in the early 1900s. Thanks to people like historian Dr. Pinkney and Miami Mayors Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and Francis Suarez there are historical markers to make sure the history of Lemon City does not disappear like it's boundaries.

Some more history for you history buffs. Magic City, Aka this area, is getting a makeover people!…read moreThis building is derelict, but does have some history attached to it - It is the old DuPuis Medical Office and Drugstore, it was built is 1902 and is located at 6041-6045 NE 2nd Avenue, miami. Dr. John G. DuPuis constructed his medical office and drug store in the rural community of Lemon City four years after he arrived in South Florida. One of the region's most noted early physicians and community leaders, DuPuis founded the Dade County Agricultural School and established what would become one of the area's largest dairies. This traditional Masonry Vernacular style building features pressed metal detailing typical of turn-of-the-twentieth-century American commercial architecture.

Lemon City is an unincorporated area that predates Miami. It was a farming community that sprang up…read morein the 1850's, 26 years before the founding of Miami. The community took their name from the unusually sweet lemon trees that grew in the area. By the time Miami was incorporated Lemon City already had a population of 300. Lemon City had the areas oldest school, the Lemon City School, and the first library, the Lemon City Library. Lemon City was segregated with Black families living in three neighborhoods, Nazarine, Boles Town, and Knightsville. The exact boundaries of Lemon City have been lost to time since it was never incorporated. During the 1980's many Haitian immigrants made what was once Lemon City their home. The area has now been designated as Little Haiti which upset some of the descendants of the pioneers of Lemon City who thought the name change was insulting to their history. To be more inclusive of all of the history of the area, 10 historical signs marking the history of Lemon City were erected by the Mayor's office. Markers were placed at the Lemon City Train Station, Lemon City Port, Lemon City Library, and here at the Lemon City Pharmacy. Dr. John Gordon DuPuis was born in Newnansville Florida in 1875. He graduated from medical school at the University of Kentucky in 1898 and then moved to Lemon City where he began his practice and pharmacy in a one room building behind the Conolly Hotel. The Lemon City Pharmacy Dupuis Office was built in 1902, four years after he arrived in South Florida. It was the first concrete building north of downtown Miami and served as Dr. DuPuis medical practice and pharmacy and his families residence. The pharmacy was designed in a Masonry Vernacular style. The building features pressed metal detailing and the type of commercial architecture that was popular at the turn of the century. Dr. DuPuis was one of the first doctors in the area and a community leader. He treated the sick during a yellow fever outbreak in 1899 and counted the Seminoles and among his patients who held him in high regard. Dr. DuPuis was a white doctor who made house calls to Black families in the area, which was unusual for the time. Based on his belief that fresh milk was necessary for good health, he established what would become one of the area's largest dairies. White Belt Dairy consisted of 900 cows over 2,000 acres and was managed by Dr. DuPuis wife Katherine and his son John. Dr. DuPuis was also passionate about education. He founded the Dade Agricultural School in 1915 which focused on vocational training with a stress on agriculture. In 1925 Dr. DuPuis family moved out of the building and he continued his practice there until he passed away in 1955. The Dr. DuPuis medical building is currently in pretty sad shape. It was on the Dade Heritage Trust list of 12 most historic endangered buildings in 2018 however there may be hope for it because big plans are in the works for this area. The Miami City Commission are considering a billion-dollar real estate project in Little Haiti called the Magic City Innovation District, It is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete and will turn Little Haiti area into an international draw for tourists and businesses. Spread out over 17 acres it will include residential units, hotel rooms, retail space, and a pop-up theme park with multimedia and interactive installations, designed by Lune Rouge, the Montreal-based company owned by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. Best of all the developers want to preserve the historic aspects of this neighborhood. The DuPuis Medical Office and Drug Store will be incorporated into the western side of the project. A drawing of the project shows it turned into an art gallery. I am watching with anticipation to see what is going to happen in Little Haiti. You can already see the spark with new businesses opening like the Citadel Food Hall in the Little River area. I had heard of Lemon City in passing when bones were discovered in an unmarked cemetery during construction of an affordable housing unit. I always meant to learn more about this historic area but never had the time. I finally got to explore this area and was really delighted to find all of the historical markers. It was like a scavenger hunt discovering them and learning another piece of Lemon City's history. The pharmacy is currently fenced off in anticipation of the new project and there is a huge MAGIC sign set up across the street heralding what will hopefully be good things to come for this area. I am excited to see the next chapter of history unfold here.

Located at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines. I had no idea this place existed…read moreuntil a friend of mine told me they offered different types of art classes here. When you arrive at the Charles F. Dodge City Center and see the huge yellow structures in the front, The Frank Art Gallery is located on the opposite side. It's a small but beautiful and modern space. They change out their art exhibits regularly. Check out their website for different classes for all ages. We attend the monthly Teen Art Club and it's only $5. So crazy how inexpensive. But something different and fun. Highly recommended. The staff here is very friendly and knowledgeable. The space is gorgeous. Love the modern vibe!

So during the pandemic I have been out and about discovering everything and anything on my literal…read moredoorstep. I therefore stumbled upon this place, and came to see it for the artsy, architectural aspect of the building, and it did not disappoint. I did not gain a look to the inside, so my review is reflective of just the outside only. See my numerous photograpghs to get the feel of the place. Here is some information about the Mayor that this place is named after - A resident of Pembroke Pines since 1977, Mayor Frank C. Ortis has a long history of service to the community. He was elected to the Pembroke Pines City Commission in 1996 and served as Vice Mayor in 1998 and 2002. After serving two terms as City Commissioner, he was elected Mayor of the City of Pembroke Pines in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. In 2012, he was elected unopposed to a third term as Mayor of Pembroke Pines. In 2016, he was once again elected unopposed to a fourth term as Mayor of Pembroke Pines, and in 2020 Mayor Ortis was re-elected. "I like making a difference and helping people with their concerns," said Mayor Ortis. "This is a great city to live and work in, and I'm extremely proud to be a part of it." He has served and currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including being on the Board of the Broward and Florida League of Cities; Chair of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Committee on Jobs, Education and the Workforce; the USCM Vice Chair for Sports and Recreation, Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports; and the USCM Advisory Board; on the Broward County Workforce One Development Board; and on the Board of the United Way of Broward County.. He is also the recipient of many awards, honors and recognition for his work as a civic leader, including being a recipient of the 2019 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award, and being named the 2013 winner of the prestigious E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Florida League of Cities, which recognizes and honors a local elected official who has made a lasting and worthwhile contribution to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties on the local level.  He was also presented the 2012 Public Leadership in the Arts Award; and was named the Cities of Excellence "Mayor of the Year" by the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Ortis graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He lives with his wife Barbara in Pembroke Pines

Lemon City is an unincorporated area that predates Miami. It was a farming community that sprang up…read morein the 1850's, 26 years before the founding of Miami. The community took their name from the unusually sweet lemon trees that grew in the area. By the time Miami was incorporated, Lemon City already had a population of 300. Lemon City had the areas oldest school, the Lemon City School, and the first library, the Lemon City Library. Lemon City was segregated with Black families living in three neighborhoods, Nazarine, Boles Town, and Knightsville. The exact boundaries of Lemon City have been lost to time since it was never incorporated. During the 1980's many Haitian immigrants made what was once Lemon City their home. The area has now been designated as Little Haiti which upset some of the descendants of the pioneers of Lemon City who thought the name change was insulting to their history. To be more inclusive of all of the history of the area, 10 historical signs marking the history of Lemon City were erected by the Mayor's office. Markers were placed at the Lemon City Train Station, Lemon City Pharmacy, Lemon City Library, and here at the Lemon City Post Office. Marker F-945 installed in 2017 details the history of the Lemon City Post Office. The Lemon City post office opened on October 1, 1889. It was located in a corner of Moffat's bayside store and E.L. White served as the first postmaster. Mail came into Lemon City from the port or by train before being sent south. In 1891 the post office broke with the Moffat family and moved from location to location. It finally got a permanent location in 1905 in its own building. During the years the post office was open, it moved nine times and had twelve postmasters. The post office became part of the Miami postal system in 1925. In 1974, it ceased operation. I am watching with anticipation to see what is going to happen in Little Haiti. You can already see the spark with new businesses opening like the Citadel Food Hall in the Little River area. I had heard of Lemon City in passing when bones were discovered in an unmarked cemetery during construction of an affordable housing unit. I always meant to learn more about this historic area but never had the time. I finally got to explore this area and was really delighted to find all of the historical markers. It was like a scavenger hunt discovering them and learning another piece of Lemon City's history. Although the post office is no longer here, there is a huge MAGIC sign set up heralding what will hopefully be good things to come for this area. I am excited to see the next chapter of history unfold here.