South Florida’s archaeological record is as complex and dynamic as the environment. Changes in sea levels, climate, and topography influenced the location of habitation and resource procurement sites over thousands of years. The presence of archaeological sites along our coastline today is but a glimpse of the vast history of South Florida’s first inhabitants.
BC 500-AD 1763
Archaeologists call the era of human history in the Everglades region the Glades Period. It is divided into several sub-periods based on changes in the artifacts, specifically pottery, left behind. The Glades people were hunter-gatherer-fishers who relied on the abundant resources of the coast and the interior wetlands. They lived in seasonal camps and more permanent villages, often located on higher ground such as tree islands or coastal ridges.
Coastal Boca Raton is home to several significant archaeological sites, including the Boca Raton Inlet Complex and the Spanish River Complex. These sites were occupied during the Glades Period and provide evidence of a long and rich history of human interaction with the environment.
The Boca Raton Inlet Complex consists of several middens and a possible burial mound located near the current inlet. These sites were first documented in the early 20th century and have yielded a variety of artifacts, including pottery, shell tools, and bone tools.
The Spanish River Complex is one of the largest archaeological sites in South Florida. It includes a large midden, a burial mound, and several smaller sites located along the Spanish River, which once flowed through the area before being canalized. The site was occupied for hundreds of years and provides important information about the diet, technology, and social organization of the Glades people.
Boca Raton is a transitional area between the Tequesta to the south and the Ais to the north. While we don’t know exactly which group lived here, they were likely related to one of these groups or may have been a distinct group themselves. What we do know is that they were a resilient and sophisticated people who thrived in this environment for thousands of years.
Our beaches are world famous for their pristine white sand and clear blue water. But they weren’t always this way. For much of its history, Boca Raton’s beachfront was a wide-open expanse of sand and dunes, with very little development. It was a place for fishing, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida coast.
Our coastline is constantly changing due to natural processes such as erosion and accretion. But human activity has also played a significant role in shaping the coast. The construction of inlets, jetties, and seawalls has altered the flow of sand and changed the shape of the beach.
In 1870, the first surveyor of the area, T.S. Rickards, described the beachfront as a “high ridge of sand dunes.” He also noted the presence of several freshwater lakes just inland from the beach, which provided a source of fresh water for early settlers.
In 1925, the city of Boca Raton constructed the Palmetto Park Pavilion at the end of Palmetto Park Road. The pavilion was a large wooden structure that featured a ballroom, a restaurant, and a wide veranda overlooking the beach. It quickly became the center of social life in Boca Raton, hosting dances, concerts, and other events.
The pavilion was a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It was a place to see and be seen, and many a romance began on its dance floor. The pavilion remained in use until the late 1940s, when it was destroyed by a hurricane.
During World War II, Boca Raton’s beach was transformed into a training ground for the U.S. Army Air Forces. The Boca Raton Army Air Field was established just inland from the beach, and soldiers used the beachfront for amphibious training, target practice, and other maneuvers. The beach was patrolled by soldiers and dogs to watch for enemy submarines.
The beach was also used for radar training. The Boca Raton Army Air Field was home to the only radar training school in the country during the war, and soldiers used the clear views from the beach to test and calibrate radar equipment. After the war, the airfield was closed, and the beach returned to its peaceful state.
For many years, Boca Raton’s beaches were segregated, with separate areas for white and African American residents. The African American beach was located at the north end of the city, in an area that is now part of Spanish River Park. It was a place where African American families could gather and enjoy the beach without fear of harassment.
In the 1950s and 60s, African American residents and activists began to challenge the city’s segregation policies. Through protests, sit-ins, and legal action, they eventually succeeded in integrating the city’s beaches. Today, our beaches are open to everyone, regardless of race or background.
In 1928, the Boca Raton Club (now the Boca Raton Resort & Club) constructed the Cabana Club on the beach at the end of Camino Real. The club was a luxurious facility that featured a large swimming pool, a restaurant, and private cabanas for members and guests. It was the epitome of Florida’s boom-time elegance.
The Cabana Club featured a wide variety of amenities, including a saltwater pool, a sun deck, and a dining room with panoramic views of the Atlantic. It was a place for the wealthy and famous to relax and socialize, and many celebrities and dignitaries visited the club over the years. The Cabana Club remains a popular destination today, though it has been expanded and modernized over the years.
Smitty’s Driftwood was a popular beachside restaurant and lounge located just south of the Palmetto Park Pavilion. Established in the 1940s by “Smitty” Smith, the restaurant was a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It featured a rustic driftwood-themed interior and a large deck overlooking the beach.
The restaurant was known for its fresh seafood, specifically its “Driftwood” shrimp, and its lively atmosphere. It was a place where people could come to enjoy a good meal, a cold drink, and the beauty of the Boca Raton beachfront. Smitty’s Driftwood remained a local landmark for decades until it was demolished in the 1970s to make way for new development.
In the 1960s and 70s, Boca Raton’s beachfront began to change as the first high-rise condominiums were constructed. These new buildings offered a new type of luxury living, with panoramic views of the ocean and a wide variety of amenities. But they also changed the skyline of the city and restricted access to the beach for many residents.
The development of condos on the beach was a controversial issue in Boca Raton for many years. Some residents welcomed the new development and the economic prosperity it brought to the city, while others mourned the loss of the city’s open beachfront and the character of the community. Today, our beachfront is home to a wide variety of condominiums, each with its own unique history and character.
Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida, and Boca Raton has seen its fair share of these powerful storms. Over the years, hurricanes have caused significant damage to our beachfront, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure. But they have also shaped the character of our community and the way we live on the coast.
Over the years, Boca Raton has been hit by several major hurricanes, including the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926, the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, and Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Each of these storms left a lasting impact on our community and influenced the way we build and prepare for future storms. Today, our city is one of the best prepared in the country, with strict building codes and a comprehensive emergency management plan.
Boca Raton is home to several beautiful beach parks, including South Beach Park, Red Reef Park, and Spanish River Park. These parks were established in the 1960s and 70s as part of a city-wide effort to preserve the city’s open beachfront and provide public access to the beach. They offer a wide variety of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails.
The city’s beach parks offer a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. From snorkeling and diving at Red Reef Park to birdwatching and hiking at Spanish River Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The parks are also a favorite spot for weddings, parties, and other special events. Today, our beach parks are some of the most popular destinations in the city, providing a vital connection to the natural beauty of the Florida coast.
Sabal Point is a luxury residential community located on the beach at the end of Camino Real. Developed in the 1960s and 70s, the community features several high-rise condominiums and a private beach club. It is one of the most prestigious addresses in Boca Raton, known for its stunning views and world-class amenities.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
71 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
