2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Cubans have always existed in Miami, ever since Cuba became a "colony" of the United States after the Spanish-American War of 1898. After the Cuban Revolution of1959 many Cubans who were living in Miami went back to Cuba to assist in nation building. However as the chief leader of the revolution,Fidel Castro, became increasingly hardlined against the percieved enemies of the revolution,which included the United States; and declared his desire for a socialist pathway of development (an alliance with the then Soviet Union), many upper and middle class persons became dissillusioned and fearful. They migrated back to Miami in mass numbers.

Many of those Cubans later participated in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, in which the US attempted to overthrow the Castro regime. Throughout the 1960s there were daily exile flights organized from Havana to Miami. Most of these exiles settled in the Riverside neighborhood, which later became known as "Little Havana," a predominantly Cuban community. Today, this area has emerged as a predominantly spanish-speaking community, incorporating other spanish speaking peoples. However, Little Havana remains as the symbolic center for the vibrant Cuban community.

In 1968 the Cuban Adjustment Act was formulated. This stated that the immigration status of any Cuban who arrived since 1959 and had been physically present in the United States for at least a year may become a green card holder. Following this Act, the mass wave of immigration continued throughout the decades of the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's, bringing thousands of Cubans to the shores of Miami.

To control the mass exodus of Cubans, the Clinton administration made a change in US policy. The administration, after agreements with the Cuban government, stated that Cubans intercepted at sea would not be brought to the United States but instead be repatriated to Cuba unless they could give substantial evidence of persecution if they were repatriated to Cuba. Those who made it to shore could stay in the US and become eligible to hold a green card. These agreements became known as the Wet Foot-Dry Foot Policy.

Today, the county and city of Miami has many historical monuments and relics of Cuban history. They include the:

Freedom Tower: This was formerly known as the Offices of the Miami News. It later became a processing center for Cuban immigrants, and later functioned as a medical clinic and classrooms for English lessons.

Maximo Gomez Park: This is also known as Domino Park. People play games such as domino and chess there. Artistic murals on the walls of the park depicts the heads of state that attended the historic Summit of the Americas when, held in Miami in 1994.

Paseo de las Estrellas: This is also known as the Walk of the Stars. This is the Cuban version of Hollywood's famous attraction. This area has the names of famous Latin American actors, poets, playwrights and musicians.

Memorials: There are memorials located on 13th Avenue, which pays tribute to Cuban leaders who were active in historical and political struggles. These persons include, Jose Marti, the 19th century revolutionary poet, and General Antonio Maceo, a hero in Cuba's war for independence from Spain.

The Brigade 2506 Memorial features a Freedom Torch burning for the martyrs of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961.

The Island of Cuba Memorial depicts a life-size sculpture of a peasant brandishing a machete. People leave offerings at the base of a large Ceiba tree located there.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity landmark, also known as the Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre and Ermita de la Caridad, is located on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Cobre is viewed as the patroness of Cuba. . A mural at the base shows the evolution of Cuban history from the arrival of the first Spaniards to the 1959 Revolution.

Dragonfly Expeditions' Cuban Heritage Tour: This is one of many tours offered in Miami, exploring Cuban history and culture.

The Cuban Heritage Collection (CHC): This is located at the University of Miami Library. The research resources include books, manuscripts, photograph, maps, architectural drawings, prints, posters, audio-visuals, newspapers, journals etc of Cuban history, culture and experiences on the island itself and in areas such as Miami. Some of these materials existed before the Castro-led revolution.

During the 1960s, Library Director Archie L McNeal hired several exiled Cuban librarians. They started acquiring numerous books, periodicals, maps, posters, photographs etc about Cuba. The library's Archives and Special Collections Department established the Cuban Collection In 1980. Members of Miami's Cuban community recognizing the uniqueness and necessity of the Cuban Collection formed the AMIGOS, in 1995. This is a membership group that raises funds to support the collections mission. The collections expanded to become the most important body of resources on Cuban history, culture and literature (pre and post 1959 Revolution) outside the island. In 1998 the vast and growing collections were organized as the Cuban Heritage Collection. Today, the Cuban Heritage Collection host researchers around the world who are interested in Cuban history, the Cuban exile experience, and the impact of Cuban Americans in South Florida (including Miami). This collection has played an exemplary role in fostering a sense of shared community and culture within the exile population. It has also helped to preserve and communicate to future generations the history of Cuba and the exile experience.

Miami's Cuban history and culture continues to live and flourish.

Learn more about this author, Glen Howard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Miami and its Cuban history?
We want to hear your view. Write now!