The New Century and a Growing
State, 1899-1913
By the turn of the century, Florida's population and per
capita wealth were increasing rapidly; the potential of
the "Sunshine State" appeared endless. By the
end of World War I, land developers had descended on this
virtual gold mine. With more Americans owning automobiles,
it became commonplace to vacation in Florida. Many visitors
stayed on, and exotic projects sprang up in southern Florida.
Some people moved onto land made from drained swamps. Others
bought canal-crossed tracts through what had been dry land.
The real estate developments quickly attracted buyers, and
land in Florida was sold and resold. Profits and prices
for many developers reached inflated levels.
Text from: A Short History of Florida
Used with the permission of Florida's Division of Historical
Resources |
