Julia Tuttle - The Mother of Miami

Julia DeForest Tuttle, born in 1849 in Cleveland, Ohio, is celebrated as the "Mother of Miami" and holds the distinction of being the only woman to found a major American city. After visiting her father's orange grove near Biscayne Bay in 1875, she was captivated by the area's potential. Following her husband's death in 1886, Tuttle moved to Florida and purchased 640 acres of land on the north bank of the Miami River, encompassing the area that would become downtown Miami.‍

Recognizing the need for transportation to spur development, Tuttle persuaded railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to the region. In 1896, the railway reached Miami, leading to the city's incorporation that same year. Tuttle's foresight and determination transformed a remote wilderness into a thriving urban center. ‍

Continuing the Legacy: Shake-A-Leg Miami

Shake-A-Leg Miami, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through water-based activities, embodies Julia Tuttle's pioneering spirit. By providing inclusive programs that promote independence and community engagement, Shake-A-Leg Miami contributes to the ongoing development and enrichment of the city Tuttle envisioned.‍

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