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 refugees in the Grove House who were mainly of African American origin took up farming and fishing in the area in 1884. This revealed the great agricultural potential that attracted the Michigan postmaster named Linton who bought large tracts of land and went into farming. The economic activity was however boosted by the construction of a rail tract and a station for the East Coast Railroad by Henry Flagler and his team 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 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.
The town was officially chartered in Florida in 1911. The economy took a turn for better in 1920s when tourism and real estate overtook agriculture and fishing as the main economic activities. This witnessed the construction of major hotels and restaurants in addition to the modern infrastructure.
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 beginning, the city now boasts many upscale beachside hotels and restaurants. The total land area of just 15.37 square miles carries with it great historical sites including the former Delray Elementary School and High School which were built in 1913, the Cason Cottage dating back to 1915, even the Marina Historic District that was built which was built in between 1922 and 1943.
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.
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.
The refugees in the Grove House who were mainly of African American origin took up farming and fishing in the area in 1884. This revealed the great agricultural potential that attracted the Michigan postmaster named Linton who bought large tracts of land and went into farming. The economic activity was however boosted by the construction of a rail tract and a station for the East Coast Railroad by Henry Flagler and his team 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 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.
The town was officially chartered in Florida in 1911. The economy took a turn for better in 1920s when tourism and real estate overtook agriculture and fishing as the main economic activities. This witnessed the construction of major hotels and restaurants in addition to the modern infrastructure.
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 beginning, the city now boasts many upscale beachside hotels and restaurants. The total land area of just 15.37 square miles carries with it great historical sites including the former Delray Elementary School and High School which were built in 1913, the Cason Cottage dating back to 1915, even the Marina Historic District that was built which was built in between 1922 and 1943.
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.
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.
About the Author:
If you like Delray Beach, you should check out the Seven Bridges community by GL Homes. If you didn't know, GL Homes is a builder that specializes in building Florida Homes.
