Making Miami: The Historic Rise of the Magic City

“Very informative—includes subject areas that have remained underserved in terms of historiography.”—Paul George, Resident Historian, HistoryMiami Museum

Making Miami takes a deep dive into the history, growth, and development of the city not just in terms of real estate but also a number of other topics, including the expansion of a transportation and infrastructural network; tourism; the natural ecosystem and threats from residential, recreational, and industrial development; and issues of race, class, ethnicity, immigration, and nationality.

The history of Miami unfolds chronologically, revealing how real estate has consistently fueled its growth. The narrative begins in the Roaring Twenties, when substantial investments flooded into Florida, sparking a land boom that attracted both investors and new residents. The decades of the 1920’s and 30’s transformed Miami from a sleepy southern town into the unique city it is today. As the Great Depression cast its shadow, a handful of bold developers took center stage, creating the iconic art deco district of South Beach. The active World War II years saw Miami become a home for many servicemen and servicewomen stationed there. Postwar challenges in the 1960s and 1970s tested the city’s resilience, as the economic engine sputtered and urban strife reshaped its fabric. However, the 1980s marked a construction renaissance for Miami, driven by funds from sometimes questionable sources.

Despite occasional setbacks, Miami’s real estate market is once again thriving, drawing people from far and wide to visit or make it their home.