The 1920s: Building the Future Miami Springs
War was over. The economy was booming. And there was a massive Florida land boom. Say hello to the Florida Land Boom.
- Returning soldiers and northern investors flooded into Florida, sparking a real estate boom.
- The end of the war brought optimism, investment capital, and a surge in demand for warm-weather destinations, fueling massive growth in areas like Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Coral Gables.
- Developers (including Curtiss & Bright) capitalized on this surge by planning new cities with cohesive architecture, roads, utilities, and amenities.
- Communities like Hialeah (1925), Country Club Estates (later Miami Springs, 1926), and Opa-locka (1926) emerged as part of this postwar boom
1921 – 1923: Miami Springs Golf & Country Club
The Miami Springs Golf Course—originally known as the Miami-Hialeah Golf Club—was conceived in 1921 and officially opened to the public on January 1, 1923.
- 1921 – The idea for the golf course was developed by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, land developer James Bright, and a group of local golf enthusiasts known as the “Miami Coconuts.” It was part of the broader vision for a planned community then called Country Club Estates (now Miami Springs).
- 1922 – Construction of the 18-hole course began, designed with natural contours and water features from the local terrain, including the springs discovered during development.
- January 1, 1923 – The golf course officially opened to the public and quickly became a popular destination for golf enthusiasts and socialites in South Florida.
1923: Natural Springs Discovered?
There is adebate about whether or not there were ever really natural springs in Miami Springs. Here’s what we know for sure:
- Before Miami Springs was called Miami Springs, the area was incorporated as Country Club Estates. However, many people called it “Miami’s Springs”. Why would the area be referred to as “Miami’s Springs?” Well, we were and still are the primary source of fresh water for much of Miami-Dade County.
- In order to have a spring, you need pressure (usually from gravity pushing water down elsewhere) to push the water up in Miami Springs. After the dredging of the canals, the pressure was released allowing water to flow east to Biscayne Bay. This pressure relief would reduce the likelihood of a natural spring in the area.
- Before the dredging of the canal, the area was oftentimes flooded as part of the Everglades.
- There was so much fresh water in the area (pre-canal draining) t
- However, there is much folklore that we did indeed have natural springs. And it’s no secret that if you dig deep enough in Miami Springs, you will get water.
- We have no photo evidence of any natural springs bubbling up in our community. But if there ever was any discovery, we can imagine it looking something like what we see below:
1923: Boats Docking at the Foot of Curtiss Parkway
1923 The Foot of What Would Become Curtiss Parkway in Miami Springs by Ken Wilde
1924: First Miami Springs Residential Home Constructed
First Miami Springs Home by Ken Wilde
1924: Warren Pony Swing Bridge
Hialeah Miami Springs Warren Pony Swing Bridge 1924 Construction by Ken Wilde, Miami Springs Historical Society Historian
- Purpose: Replaced a less efficient pontoon system, connecting Hialeah and Miami Springs for vital auto and river traffic.
- Design: A steel, off-center pivot (bobtail) swing bridge, unique in Florida, built by Champion Bridge Company.
- Funding: Donated to Dade County by founders Glenn Curtiss and James H. Bright.
- Evolution: Modified in 1941 for increased traffic and remains in continuous use, primarily for incoming traffic, though its swing function is largely inactive.
Warren Pony Swing Bridge Connecting Miami Springs and Hialeah Since 1924
1924: Miami Springs Air Strip on Westward Drive
1924 Miami Springs Air Strip on Westward Drive
1925: Curtiss Mansion Constructed
Famed inventory and aviation pioneer, Glenn Curtiss built his mansion alongs the Miami Springs Golf Course in 1925.
1925: 201 Westward Drive Constructed
1925 description:
“The Adams building on Broadway in Country Club Estates is completed and tenanted throughout. In this building are the offices of the Everglades Construction Corporation, the offices of Maj B. L. Smith supervisor of construction for Country Club Estates and contractor in charge of construction of many of the residences, the office of Charles C. Stover architect who designed the building and also is the architect for many homes under construction in that development, and the completely equipped service station of the Everglades Construction Corporation. This service station has been designed to carry full equipment of accessories for motor vehicles. The gas is in concealed tanks in Spanish mission towers.”…