Migration and Health in Florida
Tourism and Health Resorts
Early Tourism
The original attraction that brought visitors to Florida was the fish and game. Tourism gradually began to increase following the Civil War. In 1868, when the Department of Immigration was created, there was a series of promotial campaigns to promote local tourism. The government then shifted it's focus to attracting permanent settlers and brought in big industries, such as railroad companies to facilitate travel and settlement, as well as stimulating the hotel industry.
Health Benefits
Florida's warm yet humid climate was believed to be extremely beneficial to one's health. This idea became so popular that a new industry of health resorts began prospering. Sick people as well and healthy were brought to stay in good health. The climate allowed for people to almost always be outside, enjoying the fresh air. The city with the most health resorts was St. Augustine, as it was thought to have the most "mild and genial" climate for the sick. Many hotels were built there, and were full during the winter months.
Flagler and the Ponce de Leon Hotel
Jacksonville was promoted as the “city of hotels, it was also important because it was the railroad center. To get to other cities you almost always had to pass through Jacksonville, making it a stop for many tourists. Most tours and steamboats leftfrom Jacksonville.
Flagler originally came to Florida in 1878 for the sake of his first wife's health. He frequently stayed at the San Marco Hotel, and realized that the climate could attract wealthy visitors. In 1888, he constructed the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine and a year later he constructed Hotel Alzacar across the street. Similar hotels were build across the state, as health resorts became increasingly popular.
Other Important Cities
Jacksonville
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the oldest town in the United States, was home to some of the newest and modern hotels. Many prominent winter homes were also built in St. Augustine.
Green Cove Springs
Tampa
Green Cove Springs was popular for the springs that Ponce de Leon was originally searching for, and the waters are extremely popular due to its supposed health properties. ​
Tampa wasestablished as a military post in 1824, it had the best first-class hotels, daily mail, telegraph, andclear waters. Ponce de Leon was in fact the first tourist in Tampa.
Key West
Thomas County
The second most populous city at the time was Key West, known for its cigars and sponge shipping. Its location is important for commercial success. Rare scenery attracted many tourists. It was also therecommended place to go for those suffering from rheumatism or tuberculosis.
Thomas County was also a highly recommended place due to its special elevation, natural drainage, and its dryness.
Creation of a Board of Health
Apart from attracting tourists and bringing in revenue, the development of these cities also demanded an organized system to deal with health. In 1889 a State board of health was created, mainly because of the fear of diseases like yellow fever. However, the laws they passed, were passed without a true understanding of diseases or the necessary procedures.Their job was to promote public health and sanitation throughout the state. The legislature also created a hotel commissioner to maintain sanitation andassure the safety and comfort of guests.