Welcome to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a site brimming with nearly 200 years of history and natural beauty. Located just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami, this park is a serene escape steeped in rich historical narratives. One of its most significant features is the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, first constructed in 1825. This lighthouse not only guided mariners safely past the treacherous Florida Reef but also witnessed countless historical events.
In the early 19th century, Cape Florida became a crucial point in the journey of freedom-seekers escaping slavery. It was part of the Saltwater Railroad, where Black Seminoles and fugitive slaves sought passage to the Bahamas to start new lives free from bondage. This role in the Underground Railroad highlights the park’s importance in the broader context of American history and the fight for freedom.
The park is named after Bill Baggs, an influential editor of The Miami News, who played a pivotal role in preserving this natural area from development in the 1960s. His advocacy ensured that this land could be enjoyed by future generations, transforming it into a state park rather than a housing development.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse itself has a storied past. It was damaged during the Second Seminole War in 1836, when Seminole warriors attacked the structure. The lighthouse was repaired and continued to serve until it was decommissioned in 1878, only to be relit in 1996 as part of the park’s historical restoration efforts.
Today, visitors can climb the lighthouse’s 109 spiral steps to enjoy panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, or explore the park’s trails and beaches. As you walk these grounds, remember that you are treading on land that has witnessed centuries of change, from indigenous stewardship to its current role as a protected haven for wildlife and history.
