Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a popular seaside golf and boating community.

Fort Lauderdale FL History

Prehistoric people known as the "Glades Culture" and early native Indians called the Tequestas first lived along Fort Lauderdale's New River. By the late 1700’s, the Tequestas were dead, killed by diseases brought by European explorers. White settlers and Seminole Indians migrated to this newly vacant area in the 1820’s.

During the Seminole Wars, a wooden fort was built in the swamp. A second fort was built near New River in 1838. In all, three forts were constructed and named after Major William Lauderdale who led Tennessee volunteers along the east coast of Florida to capture Seminole lands and battle Indian warriors.

The Fort Lauderdale area was originally a swamp. In 1857, Charles Green Rhodes devised the dredging of parallel canals and the creation of long peninsulas between them to transform the swamp into prime real estate. Having the same canal system as Venice, Italy, Fort Lauderdale was nicknamed "Venice of America". The city incorporated in 1911 after the arrival of the railroad.

The Collegiate Aquatic Forum was a unique winter attraction that started in 1935.

Many college students came for spring break, with their numbers peaking in the 1960’s with the Connie Francis song "The Strip" and the beach party movie Where The Boys Are.

Fort Lauderdale Florida – Great Dining & Championship Golf

Fort Lauderdale, Florida today features beautifully preserved beaches, great dining and shopping, championship golfing, rich cultural art and beautiful weather. Seniors enjoy vacationing and living in this beautiful area.