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Monday, February 24, 2014

The Ancient Accounts Of Delray Beach In Florida

By Jony Mozen


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.

This coastal land started attracting people at around 1894 to 1990 when it was thronged by diverse group of settlers who wanted to build a new community. The pioneers were after freedom, adventure and the economic opportunity that naturally existed in this place. Historically speaking, the population of Delray has been quite distinct in respect to their early interest in art, education, religion, love for sport and the general bond in the community.

The name Delray was coined from the Spanish word (of the King) in 1898 after the name Linton was dropped following the exit of William Linton. He had been discouraged by extremely cold winter that caused destruction of large fields of crops. The town was officially chartered in 1911 in Florida.

With the booming agriculture and fishing in the area, the economy took a turn for better when tourism and real estate became the focus in 1920s. There was construction of major hotels and other modern infrastructure including roads and decent houses.

The merger with the beach at east coast of Florida saw the town adopt the name the City of Delray Beach. It was not however complete till 1927 when it expanded further to cover area at the east and west of Canal with the retention of the name Delray Beach City. The city now prides itself with the sparkling resort town of a thriving winter colony.

With such a humble historical background, the city now bride itself with the best beach resorts, hotels and restaurants United States has to offer. There are several historical sites within this 15.37 square miles land mass with historical sites such as the Elementary School and High School of Delray built in 1913, the Cason Cottage of 1915, Marina Historic District completed in 1943 and not forgetting the famous Orange Grove of 1876 among others.

The Second World War saw the patriotism of the residents of this city tested to a great extent as volunteers ended up guarding the city throughout the day and the night with the security personnel patrolling the coast. Polo games at the Gulf Stream and Polo Ball in Boca Raton still attract many prominent people to this place.

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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