The second part of the history of the Miami River describes the evolution of the river from the mid-1800s through modern times. Prior to the Brickells arriving to the area, the big cash crop in the area was the cultivation and processing of the cyad plant, known as Coontie. It was one of the few industries that provided trade for the area.

After the Tuttles and Brickells came to an agreement with Henry Flagler, the river changed dramatically. The news of Flagler extending his railway to what would become the city of Miami attracted a lot of new people. The first port of Miami was setup along the north bank of the river near today’s Miami Avenue as a result of the influx of civilization to a once desolate paradise.

Miami History Channel: www.miamihistorychannel.com Miami History Blog: www.miami-history.com