Introduction: A City Born from Vision
West Palm Beach, the county seat of Palm Beach County, Florida, is a city with a rich, multifaceted history that spans centuries. While today it is renowned for its cultural institutions, economic activity, and coastal charm, its roots are grounded in the natural landscapes, indigenous presence, and visionary planning that shaped South Florida in the early 20th century.
This article traces the evolution of West Palm Beach from its pre-European origins through its incorporation, growth spurts, challenges, and modernization. It examines the social, economic, and environmental factors that influenced the city’s trajectory, revealing how West Palm Beach transformed from swampland into one of Florida’s most dynamic urban centers.
Indigenous Presence: The Early Inhabitants of the Lake Worth Region
Before European contact, the area now known as West Palm Beach was inhabited by Native American groups, primarily the Jaega and the Tequesta. These peoples occupied the coastal regions of southeast Florida, relying on fishing, hunting, and small-scale agriculture for subsistence.
Archaeological evidence, including shell middens and village sites along Lake Worth Lagoon and nearby rivers, highlights the sophistication of indigenous communities. Trade networks extended inland and along the coast, exchanging goods such as shells, pottery, and tools. The seasonal movement between inland and coastal areas allowed these populations to exploit diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to pine flatwoods.
European Exploration and Spanish Influence
Spanish explorers arrived in southeastern Florida in the early 16th century, claiming the region as part of La Florida. Juan Ponce de León and subsequent expeditions navigated the coastline and inland waterways, mapping lagoons, rivers, and estuaries.
While permanent Spanish settlements were sparse in the Lake Worth area, Spanish influence impacted local indigenous populations through trade, the introduction of European animals, and exposure to disease. Missionary activity reached limited inland areas, though much of the current West Palm Beach territory remained relatively untouched. shutdown123