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Miami, Florida, circa 1904. "On the Miami River." Back when the city's only high-rises were green and had coconuts at the top. View full size.
The photo was taken at the mouth of the Miami River, looking up river towards the west. We are on the south shore (Brickell Point). Across the river was the Old Fort Dallas, a military outpost that had figured in the Seminole Wars. By 1891 it was the home of the "Mother of Miami", Julia Tuttle whose house can be seen through the palms.
Not seen, but immediately to the right of the photo would have been the immense Royal Palm Hotel built by the "Father of Miami", Henry Flagler. I can assure you that, despite the honorifics, they were just friends.
Looking past the sloop, you can see the smoke stack of the Miami Power & Ice plant, later known as Florida Power & Light.
The attached aerial photo from the State Archives shows the same view in 1918.
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