Today, Miami Beach is a world-renowned resort, a symbol of beach vacations and Art Deco architecture. But a century ago, it was just swampland and mangrove thickets, unsuitable for living. The city as we know it didn't appear by itself — it was created by people with a vision for the future, determination, and entrepreneurial flair.
Among the key figures who changed the fate of Miami Beach were brothers John Newton and James Edward Lummus. Their ambition, investments, and strategic decisions made it possible to turn an unattractive territory into a paradise for tourists and one of the most expensive places in the United States. However, their story is not just a tale of business and construction. It's an example of how perseverance and foresight can transform an entire region.
The First Steps: Who Were the Lummus Brothers?
James Edward Lummus and John Newton Lummus were among the first people to see the potential for a future resort in the swampy areas near the Atlantic Ocean. Their contribution to the development of Miami Beach was significant, although today their names often remain in the shadow of more famous investors, such as John Collins and Carl Fisher.
The elder brother, James, was not only an entrepreneur but also an active participant in public life. He was among the pioneers of Miami — those who laid the foundation of the city, created infrastructure, and organized the first businesses. When Miami Beach officially became a settlement on March 26, 1915, it was James Lummus who was elected the first mayor.
John Lummus, in turn, focused more on the commercial side. Together with his brother, he founded the Ocean Beach Realty Company — a company that sold land and built properties. Their office at the intersection of Ocean Drive and Biscayne Street became not only a workplace but also a platform for key political decisions. It was here that the ordinance on the incorporation of Miami Beach was signed, and a few years later, John succeeded his brother as mayor.
They understood that to turn a wild territory into a developed city, a management system, attracting investors, and creating comfortable conditions for future residents were necessary. Therefore, the brothers did not just sell land but participated in organizing public life, laying roads, and building the first buildings. Their activities laid the foundation on which one of the most famous resorts in the world later grew.
Early Attempts at Development
Today, Miami Beach seems like an ideal place to live and vacation, but a hundred years ago, the picture was very different. A narrow strip of land between the ocean and the bay was swampy territory covered with mangrove forests. High humidity, frequent hurricanes, and dense vegetation made these lands practically uninhabitable.
Indigenous peoples who lived in these places long before the arrival of Europeans rarely used the coastline. They chose more stable and protected areas for building settlements. Lagoons and swamps served them as fishing grounds, but no one tried to turn them into a permanent place of residence.
The first European settlers also bypassed this area. In the 19th century, only a few fishing huts and a coconut plantation operated here. There were no large settlements, and the lands were considered too difficult to develop.
Everything changed at the end of the 19th century when John Collins found himself in these places. He was a farmer from New Jersey and was looking for new territories to grow tropical crops. The lands on the coast seemed promising to him, and he decided to establish plantations here. Collins grew coconut palms, avocados, and other plants, but his main goal was not agriculture but turning this area into a residential area.
Getting to the coast then was only possible by boat. A wide bay separated the future Miami Beach from the mainland, and the only bridge did not exist. Collins understood that without a road, developing the settlement was impossible. He began building a wooden bridge across the bay, but there was not enough money to complete the project.
It was at this stage that the Lummus brothers entered the history of Miami Beach. Their involvement changed the course of events and turned a hard-to-reach area into one of the most famous resorts in the world.
Land Purchase and the Start of Construction
By the beginning of the 20th century, John Collins had invested almost all his money in the development of plantations and the construction of a wooden bridge, which was supposed to connect the future Miami Beach with the mainland. But work came to a standstill — he ran out of funds, and without a road, the prospects for developing the territory remained uncertain.
At this moment, the Lummus brothers appeared on the horizon. They already had experience in land trading and understood that the Florida coast would sooner or later become a center of attraction for investors and vacationers. They saw great potential in Collins' project but realized that without infrastructure and a systematic approach to development, this land would remain wild.
Lummus offered Collins a deal — they would invest money in completing the bridge, and in return, they would gain control over a significant portion of his land. Collins, having no other options, agreed. Soon the brothers became owners of large territories on the coast and got the opportunity to implement their plans.
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First, they completed the construction of the bridge across Biscayne Bay. This opened the way for machinery, building materials, and the first settlers. Then began large-scale work on draining swamps, clearing territories, and laying out streets.
The brothers did not limit themselves to chaotic development. They wanted to create an area that would be comfortable, modern, and attractive to buyers. Instead of standard houses, they developed plots with thoughtful planning, wide streets, and green areas.
Soon the first buildings appeared — residential houses, hotels, and shops. All this laid the foundation for the future Miami Beach, which soon began to turn into an elite resort.
The Transformation of Miami Beach
When the Lummus brothers started their work, the territory was a difficult-to-navigate swamp. To turn it into an elite resort, it was necessary to solve several key tasks:
- 01.Drainage and Shoreline Reinforcement. Mangrove thickets were removed, sand and soil were brought in, and a foundation was laid for future buildings. The shores were reinforced with stone and concrete to protect against flooding.
- 02.Road and Bridge Construction. The bridge across Biscayne Bay, which connected the island to Miami, was completed. Wide streets were laid and a drainage system was organized.
- 03.Architectural Development. Houses with spacious terraces and large windows began to be built. The best architects of the time were involved in the design.
- 04.Creation of Resort Infrastructure. The first hotels, parks, beaches, restaurants, and clubs appeared. All this attracted a wealthy audience.
In just a few years, the former swamps turned into a prestigious resort that was rapidly gaining popularity. The invested funds fully paid off.
Lummus Park and the Brothers' Legacy
One of the key elements of the Lummus legacy was the park named after them. Today, it is one of the most famous green areas of Miami Beach, but its appearance was not accidental.
When the brothers started building, they understood that a full-fledged city needed not only houses but also public spaces. They allocated part of the coastal area for a park, which became the first major recreational facility on the coast.
Park Formation
- The territory was cleared and reinforced, creating a solid foundation.
- Pedestrian routes, recreation areas, and playgrounds for active leisure were planned.
- Palm trees and other plants were planted to make the park more comfortable.
Development and Significance
- The park soon became a popular place for walks, meetings, and events.
- Over time, it was modernized, adding sports areas and convenient infrastructure.
- Today, it is not just a green corner but a symbol of caring for the city and its residents.
The Lummus Brothers' Legacy
- They did not just build up the territory but created a space comfortable for living.
- Their work laid the foundation for the future development of Miami Beach.
- Without their investments and decisions, the resort could have looked very different.
Thanks to the Lummus brothers, Miami Beach has become a city where there are not only hotels and beaches but also places for recreation accessible to everyone.
The End of an Era: What Happened to Lummus and Their Projects
Despite the success that the Lummus brothers' investments in Miami Beach brought them, their influence on the city's development waned over time. The reasons were financial difficulties and economic shocks that affected the entire region.
- Financial Problems. The rapid growth of the 1920s was followed by an economic downturn. Real estate speculation led to a crisis in which many investors lost money. The Lummus brothers, who had invested heavily in infrastructure and development, found themselves in a difficult position.
- The Great Depression. The crisis that began in 1929 finally undermined their financial stability. Consumer demand plummeted, construction stopped, and loans became impossible to repay.
- Sale of Assets. To cover debts, the Lummus brothers were forced to sell most of their real estate. Their influence on the city's development disappeared, and key properties passed into the hands of other entrepreneurs.
- Retirement from Business. Over time, the brothers completely retired from business. Their role in the history of Miami Beach was gradually forgotten, and the projects they once managed developed without them.
Although the Lummus brothers lost control of their creation, their legacy remained. Miami Beach continued to grow and develop, attracting tourists from all over the world. Without their contribution, this city could have remained a swampy island, and Lummus Park still reminds us of those who once turned a wild territory into a prestigious resort.
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