Homestead history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Homestead is inextricably linked to Henry Flagler's ambitious project to extend the Florida East Coast Railway. In 1904, the railway tracks reached this area, and a construction camp was established here, becoming the final terminus on the mainland before the commencement of the maritime section of the route to Key West.

The city's name is derived from the term "homesteading" (obtaining land allotments), as many early settlers received land here under the Homestead Act. Homestead officially received city status in 1913, becoming the second incorporated municipality in Miami-Dade County after Miami itself.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was defined by several critical factors that transformed a small camp into a thriving settlement:

• Railway Logistics: As a key transshipment point for materials and workers building the Overseas Railroad, Homestead quickly acquired infrastructure.
• Geography and Climate: Its location in a subtropical zone on unique limestone soils allowed for year-round crop cultivation, which was impossible in more northern states.
• Land Policy: The availability of land attracted farmers and entrepreneurs ready to develop the wild territories of South Florida.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Homestead's economy was based on agriculture. The city quickly gained a reputation as an important agrarian centre, from where wagons loaded with fresh vegetables and fruits were sent to the northern USA during the winter months. This formed a special way of life: a hardworking community of farmers, closely connected to the land and the rhythms of the railway.

Culturally, the city developed as a "gateway" between the metropolis of Miami and the wilderness of the Everglades, while maintaining the atmosphere of a cosy provincial centre oriented towards family values and farming.

Major Milestones in Homestead's History

• 1898 — The territory opens for settlement under the federal Homestead Act, attracting the first farmers and settlers.
• 1904 — Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway reaches the area, creating a key transport hub here for supplying the construction of the route to Key West.
• 1913 — Homestead officially receives the status of an incorporated city, becoming the second municipality in Miami-Dade County.
• 1917 — Construction of the first City Hall is completed, marking the development of local administrative infrastructure.
• 1942 — Homestead Army Air Field is founded, becoming an important strategic facility during World War II.
• 1945 — A powerful hurricane causes serious damage to the military base and destroys a significant part of the region's agricultural lands.
• 1955 — The military facility is repurposed into a permanent US Air Force base, leading to growth in the city's population and economy.
• 1992 — Hurricane Andrew destroys about 90% of the buildings in the city and inflicts critical damage on the airbase, becoming the most tragic event in Homestead's history.
• 1994 — The airbase reopens as an Air Force Reserve Base, which became an important step in the region's recovery process after the natural disaster.
• 1995 — The grand opening of the Homestead-Miami Speedway takes place, attracting major sporting events of the NASCAR series to the city.
• 2013 — The city celebrated its centennial with large-scale festivities, demonstrating successful revival and development after the catastrophe of the 90s.
• 2016 — A new monumental City Hall opened in the city centre, becoming a symbol of the revitalisation of the historic district.
• 2021 — Opening of the Cybrarium — a unique modern library combining traditional books with advanced digital technologies.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The evolution of Homestead is a journey from an agricultural settlement to a modern centre with unique tourism and social infrastructure. Below are the main milestones that shaped the current appearance and economy of the city:

• Railway Impulse (Early 20th Century): The extension of Henry Flagler's railway became the foundation of the city's existence. This event turned an isolated construction camp into a logistics hub, allowing for the export of winter vegetables and fruits, which defined the region's agrarian specialisation for decades.
• Military Urbanisation (Mid-20th Century): The opening and subsequent expansion of the airbase (now Homestead Air Reserve Base) radically changed the demographics. The influx of military personnel and civilian staff stimulated housing construction and the development of the service sector, turning the city from a farming community into a large settlement.
• Post-Hurricane Reconstruction (After 1992): Hurricane Andrew destroyed the city almost to the ground, but this became a "reset" point. Large-scale restoration allowed for the complete renewal of the housing stock, the introduction of advanced building codes, and the modernisation of utility networks, making the city safer and more contemporary.
• Sports and Tourism Breakthrough (1995): The construction of the Homestead-Miami Speedway diversified the economy. The city gained global fame in the sphere of motorsport (NASCAR), which attracted investments in the hotel business and restaurants, reducing dependence on agriculture.
• "Gateway to Parks" Strategy (2000s): City authorities bet on the unique geographical position between two national parks — Everglades and Biscayne. The development of a free trolleybus system and tourist centres strengthened Homestead's status as the main base for eco-tourists in South Florida.
• Revitalisation of the Historic Centre (2016–2021): Implementation of an ambitious plan to renovate Downtown, symbols of which became the new monumental City Hall and the high-tech Cybrarium library. These projects breathed life into the city centre, creating modern public spaces for residents and visitors.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Homestead's architecture reflects its transformation from a railway village to a modern suburb of Miami. Unlike many old cities, it is difficult to single out distinct eras of Gothic or Baroque here; the city's style was formed under the influence of climate, functionality, and the need to withstand the elements. Urban development proceeded linearly along the railway, later expanding deep into the mainland.

Main Architectural Stages and Styles

The appearance of the city can be divided into several key periods, each of which left its mark on the built environment:

• Early Period (1900–1920s): Florida Vernacular.

  The first structures were built from local pine and limestone. These were simple, functional buildings with verandas for ventilation. A vivid example of surviving architecture from that time is the Hotel Redland (1904), the city's oldest building, combining features of the early colonial style and a boarding house.

• Era of Development (1920–1950s): Commercial Style and Art Deco.

  With the growth of the economy, the city centre began to be built up with stone buildings. Here one can meet elements of restrained Art Deco, characteristic of small US towns of the mid-century. A landmark object is the Seminole Theatre. After reconstruction, it retained its historic façade and famous neon sign, becoming a symbol of the cultural centre.

• Unique Stone Architecture: Coral Castle.

  Standing apart is the Coral Castle — a unique example of architecture created by hand from megalithic blocks of coral limestone. Although this is not a style in the broad sense, this object defines the tourist identity of the region and demonstrates mastery in working with local material.

• Post-Hurricane Reconstruction (After 1992).

  After the devastating Hurricane Andrew, the city was practically rebuilt anew. Modern residential development is characterised by strict adherence to building codes: reinforced concrete structures, impact-resistant windows, and low-profile roofs. This period can be called the era of "functional pragmatism".

• Modern Revival (2010s – Present Day): Neoclassicism and Modernism.

  In recent years, the city centre has been experiencing a renaissance. The new Homestead City Hall (2016) is executed in a majestic style referring to classic American architecture with columns and a dome, giving the centre monumentality. In contrast to it stands the Cybrarium library, representing a modern high-tech design with an emphasis on digital technologies and open spaces.

Iconic Districts

Historic Centre (Downtown Homestead) is the heart of the city. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this district preserves the atmosphere of old Florida with low-rise buildings, antique shops, and cosy restaurants, contrasting with the modern residential arrays on the outskirts.

Notable Personalities of Homestead

The history and modernity of Homestead are inextricably linked with the names of people whose achievements have glorified this city far beyond Florida. From pioneer engineers to modern screen and stadium stars — here is a list of the region's most significant figures.

• Henry Flagler (1830–1913) — Railway magnate and industrialist.
  Although Flagler was not a permanent resident, he is a key figure in the city's history. It was his ambitious project to extend the Florida East Coast Railway to Key West that led to the founding of Homestead as an important logistics hub and supply camp.
• William J. Krome (1876–1929) — Design Engineer.
  Chief engineer of the Overseas Railroad, who played a decisive role in the development of South Florida. In recognition of his services to the region, the main transport artery of the city and surrounding areas bears his name — Krome Avenue.
• Edward Leedskalnin (1887–1951) — Sculptor and self-taught engineer.
  The city's most mysterious resident, a Latvian immigrant who, alone and without the use of heavy machinery, built the famous "Coral Castle". His creation remains Homestead's main tourist attraction and a subject of debate among scholars.
• Shelby Highsmith (1929–2015) — US Federal Judge.
  A Homestead native who made a brilliant legal career. Served as a Senior Judge of the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida and made a significant contribution to the state's judicial system.
• Chrissy Metz (born 1980) — Actress and singer.
  Born in Homestead. Gained world fame and nominations for Emmy and Golden Globe awards thanks to the role of Kate Pearson in the popular drama series "This Is Us".
• Antrel Rolle (born 1982) — Professional Athlete (American Football).
  An outstanding NFL player who played as a safety. He is a native of the city and holder of a prestigious Super Bowl champion ring (with the New York Giants).
• Alek Manoah (born 1998) — Baseball Player (MLB).
  A professional pitcher born and raised in Homestead. Quickly achieved success in Major League Baseball, becoming an All-Star Game participant, making him an idol for local youth.