The Story Of The Tamiami Trail

The Unexpected Journey & Discovery

Shark Valley Tram Tours’ location is on the Tamiami Trail, US Highway 41, but that wasn’t always the case. The story of the building of the highway is certainly an interesting one. In 1923 the Everglades presented a huge obstacle to travel between the 2 cities of Tampa and Miami. The name Tamiami, comes from combining the names of Tampa and Miami. Civic and business leaders saw the Everglades as a major barrier to economic development, so they formed plans to build a highway through the wilderness. This highway was viewed as a way to impede, and control what was viewed as an impediment to progress.

An Accidental Tour of the Everglades

On April 4, 1923, 24 business men set out on a quest to drive across the Everglades from Fort Myers to Miami. Their trip turned into a completely unexpected educational tour of the Everglades. The businessmen’s optimism about exceeding the capabilities of the cars of the day, became a main motivating factor. Their desire to drive through the muck and mire, led them on an ecotour of the Everglades. This accidental adventure was long before the concept of ecotours gained popularity.

Explorers Tamiami Trail sign in front of an old automobile

(Photo courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.com)

The adventurers were supposed to reach Miami by April 6. When they failed to arrive on time, local newspapers declared them “Lost”.

Discovering The Tamiami Trail

The journey wasn’t really that strenuous, but it was certainly unpleasant. The group of men eventually arrived in Miami on April 21, and their ordeal generated support for the completion of the highway. Construction on this new highway took more than 5 years, but was well worth the efforts. Today Highway 41 is still carrying people from the Gulf Coast to Miami. The development of Interstate 75 has made the trip faster, but the modern superhighway certainly can’t match the history or “Old Florida” charm of the Tamiami Trail. The Trail is now the southernmost 275 miles (of 2000 total) of US 41.

People from all over the State, and Country enjoy the Shark Valley Tram Tours, and learning about the rich history of the Tamiami Trail. While the city is grateful to have this more convenient way to travel, the tour will always hold a special place in the local’s hearts. Come see the Everglades for yourself on one of our exciting tours!