An Account Of Delray Beach In Florida

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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.

The place became very popular from 1894 when many farmers from far and wide started flocking. They included both Germans and members of Spanish origins both from Florida and all over the world. Majority of them were after the economic activities such as agriculture and fishing while others were just after adventure and the freedom this place had to offer. The distinct character portrayed by the residents here could be noticed from the moment this community started living together from their interest in sports, religion, education, arts and even the deep bond holding them together.

The town was initially referred to as Linton after one of its pioneer farmers but the name changed to Delray in 1898 when he left. The name came from a Spanish word which translates to of the King. William Linton left the town after a devastating winter effect that left most of his crops destroyed.

1920s saw the economy of this town take a drastic turn from pineapple and tomato farming to tourism and real estate which were now the booming businesses. This was accompanied by construction of the modern infrastructure and hotels.

There icing on the cake was in 1923 when the town merged with the beach at the east coast of Florida and adopted the name the City of Delray Beach. The towns surrounding the Canal from the eastern and western sides then merged under the name in 1927 to form what is now known as Delray Beach City which pride itself with sparkling resort town that is centered in a thriving winter colony.

As revealed by the early history of Delray Beach, this is a town that has grown from such a humble beginning but now pride itself with some of the best beach resorts and restaurant in United States. This, in addition to several historical sites remains attractive to both natives and foreigners.

The patriotism of residents of this people was tested during the Second World War which saw the natives up in arms jealously guarding their city 24 hours a day and night with the assistance of military personnel patrolling at the beach. The life in the city went a notch higher after the war with area ranking as one of the destination areas in United States. Many prominent figures were attracted by polo games and Polo Ball common in Boca Raton.

Navigating through the early history of Delray Beach leaves one with amusement and a burning desire to explore what this heaven on earth has to offer. It goes without saying that joining the wonderful community of Delray is the lifetime gift an individual can give to himself and his family.




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