To transform the swamp into prime real estate, it took Charles Green Rhodes to plan the dredging of parallel canals, using the fill to create long peninsulas between them.  It was the same theory used to create Venice, Italy, which earned Fort Lauderdale the nickname, "Venice of America."  Flagler's railroad followed and the city was incorporated in 1911.  Prior to Fort Lauderdale history events of the beach redevelopment, famous spring break festivities the Collegiate Aquatic Forum drew many tourists.  It was a unique winter attraction that started in 1935.

Fort Lauderdale history begins thousands of years ago.  Florida's earliest inhabitants were paleo-Indians.  The Tequesta Indians settled along the Gold Coast, which is now Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.  Credit for the European discovery of Florida usually goes to Spain's Don Juan Ponce de Leon.  Fort Lauderdale, the middle of the now Gold Coast was a swamp back in 1857.  During the Seminole Wars a wooden fort was built and named after Tennessee Volunteer Major William Lauderdale.  The fort was later abandoned and became a large mangrove swamp.  Runaway slaves and army deserters used it for a hideout.