Miami

Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896. Historically, this event marked the transformation of Miami from a small settlement into an official municipality. The push for incorporation was largely driven by Julia Tuttle, a local landowner, who convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad to the area, spurring economic growth.

The Great Miami Hurricane was a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that affected the Greater Miami area, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Occurring in 1926, it was one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike Miami and had a significant impact on the city's development and economy. The hurricane caused massive property damage and loss of life, influencing building codes and disaster preparedness in the region.

The Mariel Boatlift was a mass emigration of Cubans who departed from Cuba's Mariel Harbor for the United States between April and October 1980. On May 2, 1980, a significant number of Cuban immigrants arrived in Miami, transforming the city's demographics. This event played a major role in Miami's cultural and social landscape, as the influx of new arrivals necessitated changes in local policies and community dynamics.

Miami's Art Deco Weekend is an annual event first held in January 1982 to celebrate the city's unique architectural style. Art Deco, characterized by bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors, is especially prominent in Miami Beach. This event was organized by the Miami Design Preservation League to advocate for the preservation of the historic Art Deco District, successfully raising awareness about architectural conservation.

Hurricane Andrew was one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history when it struck South Florida on August 24, 1992. It was a Category 5 storm that caused catastrophic damage to parts of the Miami metropolitan area, with winds exceeding 165 miles per hour. The aftermath led to widespread changes in building codes and disaster readiness in Florida, highlighting the vulnerabilities of coastal urban areas to natural disasters.

The Elian Gonzalez affair involved the highly publicized controversy over the custody of a Cuban boy who was rescued in U.S. waters near Miami in 1999. The saga ended on November 30, 2000, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, paving the way for Elian's return to Cuba with his father. The case highlighted tensions within the Cuban-American community in Miami and impacted U.S.-Cuban relations.

The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) summit in 2003 brought together officials from 34 countries to discuss trade policies. Held in Miami, the summit was met with large-scale protests from various groups concerned about labor rights, environmental issues, and globalization. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered, making it one of the largest and most seen protest movements in Miami's history.

On September 16, 2006, the Miami Circle site was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The site, dating back to 1700 B.C., is a prehistoric archaeological site in Downtown Miami believed to be created by the Tequesta, one of the native tribes of the area. Its preservation has been vital for understanding the rich indigenous history before the advent of European settlers in Florida.

The Miami Heat won their second NBA championship in franchise history on June 21, 2012, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. The victory was a significant milestone for the Heat and its star players, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. This championship elevated the Miami Heat's status in the NBA, emphasizing Miami's place as a major sports city in the United States.

Art Basel Miami Beach, first launched in 2002, is an annual international art fair. On December 2, 2016, it featured art from over 269 galleries worldwide, marking its growing influence in the global art scene. The event attracts art collectors, celebrities, and artists, significantly boosting Miami's cultural profile and economic activity every year. It has become a key venue for contemporary art exhibitions and sales.