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History

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  • Bullets

    1930

    The first Flamingos arrived at Hialeah Park, which was under construction at the time. Originally imported from Cuba, the flamingos would go on the become one of Hialeah’s biggest symbols. Three Oscar winning movies have featured the infield of flamingos as well as iconic movies like Scarface and TV show Miami Vice.

    Postcard of Flamingoes at the Racetrack
  • Bullets

    1932

    Under the patronage of Philadelphia millionaire, Joseph E. Widener the new and improved Hialeah Park officially opens to the public. The iconic racetrack quickly became South Florida’s biggest tourist attraction. It has become the premier wintertime destination for all to be seen. From movie stars to high society, politicians & royalty alike. It was dubbed the Grand Dame of the South and considered the most beautiful track at the time.

  • Bullets

    1933

    Right after prohibition ends, the Hialeah Brewery opens its brand-new tap room in downtown Hialeah. At the time it was the largest brewery in all South Florida.

    Hialeah Brewing Company Newspaper Article
  • Bullets

    1935

    Henry Milander runs for public office, owner of Milander Butcher shop and a 1924 pioneer, Milander will eventually become the single most influential Politian ever in Hialeah history, he was elected mayor 15 times.

  • Bullets

    1936

    Bob Graham was born in a rock farmhouse on the westernmost edge of Hialeah. The youngest of all Graham siblings would eventually become a much respected & admired two term Florida Governor and three times US State senator.

  • Bullets

    1937

    The iconic aviator Amelia Earhart sets out on her ill-fated trip around the world from Hialeah Municipal Airport. She went missing shortly after, triggering the largest manhunt in history, sadly was never seen again. Hialeah has a park, a school and an entertainment center named after her.

  • Bullets

    1938

    Babcock Park opens, originally named Hunter Lyon Park. It is our oldest community center. It had our first public pool, first baseball first & many other firsts in our park’s history. It was renamed Babcock Park in 1945 after Benny Babcock, a young Hialeah man & patriot. He was the first to die in battle during WWII.