Homestead

Homestead, city, Miami-Dade county, southern Florida, U.S., in the fertile Redland district, about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Miami. The region was inhabited by Tequesta and then Calusa Indians before their disappearance by the early 19th century. Established in 1904 after the arrival of the railroad from Miami, the city took its name from its location in the “homestead country,” government land that was opened to homesteading in the late 1890s. It developed as a shipping centre for fruits and vegetables grown on the surrounding farmland. The city became an important agricultural-trading centre, the service centre for nearby Homestead Air Force Base, the headquarters for Everglades National Park (west and south of the city), and the gateway to the Florida Keys. Homestead was struck by three devastating hurricanes in the 20th century (1926, 1945, and 1992), but in each case the city was rebuilt; its economic prospects were hampered after the 1992 storm, however, by the restructuring of the air force base.

Tourism and agriculture are the basis of the city’s economy, the chief crops including winter vegetables, tropical fruits, and ornamental plants. The city has a campus of Miami-Dade Community College. Homestead Bayfront Park overlooks Biscayne National Park, which is replete with colourful marine life. Homestead is the site of the unusual Coral Castle, hand-carved by a single man from coral rock. The Fruit and Spice Park has more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, nuts, and spices. Inc. 1913. Pop. (2000) 31,909; (2010) 60,512.