Mary Brickell, often referred to as the co-founder of Miami, laid the groundwork for the city’s development decades before Julia Tuttle’s arrival. She and her husband, William Brickell, settled in South Florida in 1871 after acquiring over 2,000 acres of land along the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. Together, they established the area’s first post office, general store, and bank—essential services that supported settlers, Native Americans, and traders alike.
Mary Brickell was a visionary businesswoman who personally managed the family’s extensive land holdings, becoming one of the largest female landowners in Florida at a time when women lacked the right to vote. Her business dealings were marked by fairness, compassion, and long-term vision. Unlike many of her era, Mary and her husband befriended the Seminole community and established a trading post adjacent to their home. During the 1873 typhoid outbreak, Mary turned their residence into a makeshift hospital, using her nursing skills to care for both settlers and Native Americans.
She was also known for her support of African Americans during a time of widespread segregation. Mary offered land, protection, and opportunity to Black families in Miami, often at personal and social cost.
Mary Brickell’s contributions were foundational to the development of Miami, and her story stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.