When most people think of Fort Lauderdale, they envision Spring Break on the city’s sandy beaches, the exciting nightlife, and its proximity to the Everglades National Park.
But Fort Lauderdale is actually one of the oldest cities in the US. In fact, Fort Lauderdale actually predates the US and was home to civilizations long before the first Europeans ever set foot on this continent.
Historic Fort Lauderdale
One of the most fascinating day trip group outings in the area is a trip to History Fort Lauderdale, a living historic village that captures the area’s amazing history.
Fort Lauderdale’s story begins even before history began. The Tequesta People lived along the New River from the Dawn of time. Much later — in the 1700s and early 1800s — the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes migrated south to the Everglades.
Then in 1793 Spanish explorer Sebastian Verezaluze sailed up the New River on a spy mission for the governor of St. Augustine. And in 1838, Major William Lauderdale arrived and built the first of three forts along the New River.
Explore Fort Lauderdale’s Fascinating History – Embracing Our History
In 1896, Henry Flagler’s railroad arrived at the New River in Fort Lauderdale, changing the landscape forever. Today, the vibrant, modern city is a result of that first connection with the area’s other major population centers.
Spend a day learning about the stories of South Florida’s early pioneers and how the railroad to the river brought the modern age to our region.
Guided tours of History Fort Lauderdale’s historic village are a fascinating way to spend the day for groups of every size. Plus, the village boasts one of the largest collections of historic buildings remaining anywhere in Broward County.
