Miami Circle

In January, 1999, when no one thought it possible, Dade Heritage Trust launched a campaign to save the mysterious 2000-year-old Miami Circle --located on 2.2 acres of prime Downtown real estate where the Miami River met Biscayne Bay-- from being demolished for a highrise development.

Thirty-eight feet in diameter, the Circle was carved four feet deep into the limestone bedrock and was probably used for ceremonial purposes. As the only cut stone formation of its kind found in the U.S., it aroused international interest. DHT’s efforts to save the Circle from oblivion included legal action, community education, press releases, TV appearances, grassroots advocacy and fundraising. Vast amounts of media coverage and political persuasion-- and scientific testing provided by funding DHT secured --- finally led to a settlement with the developer for $26.7 million. The State of Florida allocated $15 million in CARL funds for acquisition, Miami-Dade County allocated $3 million from Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond funds, private donors contributed, and the Trust for Public Land loaned the County $8.7 million.

DHT Executive Director Becky Roper Matkov and DHT Past President Enid Pinkney were in the forefront of the fight to save the Circle and afterwards served on the State Circle Planning Committee to develop the interpretation of this symbolically powerful historic place.

More: http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/northamerica/miami_river_circle.html

Built: 10 a.d.
Saved: 1999
Restored: 2010