History of the Region of South Florida

The region of South Florida is an area in the state that is comprised of two counties:  Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties.  Monroe County was created in 1823, being named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.  Miami-Dade County is located between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west.  This county of Florida is the largest in terms of population, as is the location of the major metropolitan area of Miami suburb.  A good portion of the South Florida region is mostly an agricultural area, however.

Different cities in the South Florida area were incorporated starting in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Homestead, Florida was incorporated in 1913 and is the second oldest city in Miami-Dade County next to the city of Miami.  South Florida is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Miami and extends further south and west  It includes Key Largo.  The region is notable for its history that is closely tied to the development of the railroad network throughout Florida.  The Florida East Coast Railway extension to Key West was being built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the rail line was passing through an area opened up for homesteading.  Homestead, Florida gets its name from the construction camp at the end of the line, which did not otherwise have a particular name.  As construction materials and supplies for the workers were consigned to the “Homestead Country,” the town’s name was eventually shortened.

The counties that make up the region of South Florida are located near the southern terminus of the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike.  This thoroughfare ends at its junction with U.S. 1, which runs along the east coast of the state along the Atlantic.