Private tour of stiltsville in Miami Florida
*Stiltsville* is a unique and storied part of Miami’s history, located about a mile offshore in Biscayne Bay. It consists of a small collection of wood stilt houses that have endured hurricanes, fires, and political debates. Here's a full history:
*Origins (1930s-1940s)*
Stiltsville began in the *1930s* when a few fishermen and boaters started building simple wooden shacks on stilts above the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. The first structures were meant to provide shelter and a place to relax while fishing or swimming. The area's shallow waters made it possible to build on stilts, creating a one-of-a-kind community on the water.
By the **1940s**, Stiltsville had become more popular, with people constructing more houses. It started to gain a reputation for being a lively social scene, with several of the houses serving as social clubs where members could gather for parties, gambling, and various other activities. One of the more famous clubs was the **Bikini Club**, known for its parties and casual atmosphere.
*Golden Era (1950s-1960s)*
The *1950s and 1960s* marked the golden age of Stiltsville. During this time, it became a hotspot for the wealthy and elite of Miami. The area was exclusive, as you needed to access it by boat, and many notable figures from Miami society frequented the clubs and houses there.
Some of the more famous establishments during this time were:
**The Quarterdeck Club**: A popular spot for gambling, drinking, and fishing.
**The Calvert Club**: Another social club, where members enjoyed drinking and partying, while being miles away from the restrictions of Miami's laws.
At its peak, there were *27* buildings, including private homes and social clubs.
*Regulation and Decline (1960s-1980s)*
Stiltsville’s heyday began to wane in the late **1960s**, as local and federal authorities began cracking down on illegal activities such as gambling. Additionally, as Biscayne National Park was established in **1968**, Stiltsville’s future became uncertain. The new park sought to protect the natural resources of the bay, which meant restricting certain uses of the area.
Then, in **1965**, Hurricane Betsy struck Miami, destroying many of Stiltsville’s structures. While some houses were rebuilt, the community never fully recovered.
During the **1970s**, the government took steps to limit construction and impose regulations on the remaining houses, gradually shrinking Stiltsville's footprint. By the **1980s**, the once-thriving area had become a small cluster of deteriorating homes.
*Modern Era (1990s-present)*
By the **1990s**, fewer than 10 structures remained, and the government took action to potentially remove Stiltsville altogether. In **1992**, Hurricane Andrew further damaged the area, leaving only seven houses standing.
However, in **1999**, the Stiltsville Trust was formed, a group dedicated to preserving the remaining buildings as part of Miami’s cultural history. The group successfully negotiated with the **National Park Service**, which took control of the remaining houses, to allow them to remain standing.
Since then, the remaining houses have been preserved as part of **Biscayne National Park**, and though they are no longer private residences or clubs, they remain as historical landmarks. The structures are still used for events, tours, and educational purposes, helping keep the spirit of Stiltsville alive.
Today, the *seven* remaining stilt houses serve as a testament to Miami's colorful past, and though the wild parties and social clubs are long gone, Stiltsville is remembered fondly as a unique chapter in the city’s history.