Less than 100 years ago, Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a small village in the south of Florida. Today it has a population of some one million people, symbolic of the rapid development of the United States as a whole. But there is evidence of settlement in the area that stretches back far beyond 100 years - 8,000 in fact.
     The first Europeans to make their presence felt were the Spanish in the 16th Century who landed near the village of Tequesta, at the mouth of the Miami river. They referred to the region as 'florida' after its beautiful and fertile landscape. The indigenous Seminole Indians strongly resisted the colonists and there was a period of considerable bloodshed until the natives were overcome and escaped inland. Apart from a 21-year period of English interest, Spanish dominance remained a factor until 1821, when the United States annexed the region.
     Fort Lauderdale, as its name suggests, was originally a fort built to protect the vital railway and the coastal area from pirates. The city of Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, is a modern, wealthy metropolis, much of whose fortune rests on tourism. A massive amount of money, some 30 million dollars, has been invested in developing the city in an attractive manner. Thus there is a network of canals, ornamental waterworks, fountains and contemporary artworks.
     One of the focal points is the Riverwalk, a panoramic promenade along the bay, lined with boutiques, restaurants, shops and museums. The significance of water is further symbolised in the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to famous swimming champions such as the original 'Tarzan', Johnny Weismuller, along with the more recent Olympians Greg Louganis and Mark Spitz. Nearby is the magnificent Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex, one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. The city also has several parks with facilities for playing soccer, basketball, baseball and American football, plus a number of open-air gyms.
     The Broward Center for the Performing Arts hosts is a major entertainment venue.