Miami was originally inhabited by the Tequesta Indians and was claimed by Pedro Menendez de Aviles as Spanish territory in 1566. After the railroad was installed, it became known as a city in July 1896, with a population of 300. Slowly the city began prospering but collapsed after a land boom in the 1920’s, a hurricane in 1926 and the great depression of the 30’s. Due to its strategic position it played an important role in the Second World War, as a base for fighting against German submarines. This war helped the city expand, becoming a population of half a million. After Fidel Castro assumed power of Cuba in 1959, many inhabitants emigrated to Miami, also increasing its population. This took place not only with rich families from the previous ruler Fulgencio Batista, but also with a large group of middle class and professional people searching for a future in Miami. North American entities and corporations that were also present in Cuba retired to Miami. The area around 8th Street has many Cuban shops and businesses and is also known as the Little Habana. Since these immigrants spoke Spanish, it encouraged other immigrants to stay in this city, becoming a bilingual city through the years. The airport is one of the most important ones in the country, it has one of the most important ports, it is a city open to trade and tourism. It is the port of entry to the country from Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America.
Foreign trade and the financial and manufacturing industries guarantee job opportunities and income for the city and its areas of influence.
