The Birth of Hialeah

I am writing this reflection to share what I learned and experienced while working on my presentation about the history of Hialeah from 1921 to 1939. This project gave me a new appreciation for the history of a city I thought I already knew. I learned not only about important events in Hialeah’s early years but also about the value of research, how to organize information, and how to present it clearly to others. This assignment helped me grow as a student and as a communicator.

At the start of the project, I didn’t know much about Hialeah beyond the fact that it is an important city in South Florida. I had heard of Hialeah Park, and I knew it had a strong Cuban-American community, but I didn’t realize how deep its roots go or how much history took place in just a few short decades. As I began researching, I found that Hialeah was incorporated in 1925 and quickly became a center of business, entertainment, and culture.

One of the first major things I discovered was the opening of the Hialeah Park Race Track in 1925. I learned that it became one of the most elegant and well-known race tracks in the country. It wasn’t just about horse racing—Hialeah Park became a symbol of beauty and high society, attracting famous guests and adding a glamorous reputation to the city. I thought this was an important part of Hialeah’s story because it showed how the city gained national attention and became a place people wanted to visit. The racetrack’s flamingos, fountains, and architecture made it stand out and made me proud to talk about something that was both historical and visually beautiful.

However, I also had to learn about the challenges Hialeah faced. One of the most serious events was the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926. This storm destroyed many buildings and caused major damage to the area, including the racetrack. What I found inspiring was how the city bounced back after the hurricane. The community rebuilt what had been lost, and Hialeah continued to grow. I realized that history is not only about success—it’s also about how people handle difficult times. Including this event in my presentation helped me show the city’s resilience and strength.

I also focused on how Hialeah developed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Like the rest of the country, Hialeah went through economic hardship, but it managed to keep growing. I was surprised to learn that the population increased during this time, and new businesses began to appear. The city’s growth during a nationwide crisis showed me that local communities have their own unique stories of survival and adaptation.

Putting together the PowerPoint presentation was a big part of the process. I decided to divide my slides into three main topics: Hialeah’s early development and incorporation, the impact of the 1926 hurricane, and the cultural and economic importance of Hialeah Park during the 1920s and 1930s. I chose clear images and kept my bullet points short and focused. This helped me present the information in a way that was easy to understand while still being meaningful.

Giving the presentation in class was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but I practiced ahead of time so I could speak clearly and stay on track. Once I started speaking, I felt more comfortable. I focused on making eye contact and explaining the history in my own words. I wanted to make sure my classmates could connect with the topic, even if they had never heard of Hialeah before. One thing that helped me feel more confident was knowing that I had done solid research and had real facts to back up what I was saying.

Researching this topic taught me how to find and use reliable sources. I avoided Wikipedia and instead used official websites like the City of Hialeah page, digital archives like Flashback Miami, and a book on Florida’s history called Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams. I also used the National Park Service website for historical information on Hialeah Park. I learned how to write citations in APA format and include publication dates. This part of the project helped me understand the importance of giving credit and being accurate in academic work.

What made this project special for me was how personal it began to feel. Even though I don’t live in Hialeah, I realized that the city represents so many parts of Florida’s identity—immigration, entertainment, community, and strength. I started to see Hialeah not just as a place on the map, but as a community with a long and interesting story. Learning about its early years helped me appreciate how cities grow and change and how history lives all around us, even in places we pass by every day.

This experience also helped me develop important academic skills. I improved my ability to summarize large amounts of information, to focus on what is most important, and to explain it in a way others can understand. I also became better at using visuals, organizing slides, and speaking in front of a group. I believe these skills will help me in future projects and presentations in school and beyond.

If I could do the project again, I would try to include more personal stories or quotes from people who lived in Hialeah during the 1920s and 1930s. I think hearing real voices from the time would have made the presentation even more powerful. I also would have liked to add a timeline or map to show the city's growth more clearly. These are things I plan to keep in mind for my next presentation.

In conclusion, this project taught me more than I expected. I learned about the history of a city that played an important role in Florida’s development, and I also learned how to research, organize, and share what I found in a clear and confident way. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to explore local history and to present it to others. I feel proud of what I accomplished and grateful for what I learned.

Rene Canino