Most people who live in South Florida would agree that Coral Gables is one of the area's most beautiful neighborhoods. What isn't commonly known, is the fact that the Mediterranean Revival themed city grew from the vision of mainly one man - George Merrick. The city that he brought to life was a place of grand entrances, fountains, plazas, a grand hotel, a Venetian style public pool, carefully designed main avenues, and its great university. 

George Merrick's story begins in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where the Merrick family lived when he was a child. The harsh winters led to illness for a number of his family members including the terrible death of one of the Merrick's twin daughters. In 1899, the Merricks left Massachusetts with their 6 children and moved down to Miami to avoid the bitter New England winters. 

They purchased 160-acres sight unseen in the new frontier town of Miami. George and his father were the first to arrive, and the rest of the family followed shortly. There was a small wooden frame house already on the property in a pineland with a glade to the north. 

They were 5 miles to the west of the new cities of Miami and Coconut Grove, and conditions were primitive. Soon, the Merricks began clearing the land and planting a grove that would, in time, be transformed into a fruit and vegetable plantation. George, then 13 years old, worked alongside the Bahamian workers hired to tend the family's grove.

Every day before sunrise, he would take a mule drawn cart and make the 4-hour trip to Miami to sell the fruits and vegetables door-to-door. The hard work paid off as the Merrick plantation grew.

When not working, young George Merrick could be found reading. Although he did not attend school during these early years, he devoured books and drew inspiration from his readings including what he learned about the Chicago World's Fair.

Merrick was fascinated by the idea of transforming the family plantation into a planned city modeled after the Mediterranean with elements from Spain, France, and Italy. He envisioned a "Riviera of the Tropics" growing out of the isolated location of the family's grove.

The entire family worked very long, hard days hoping that once the groves began to bear fruit, their fortunes would greatly improve. The Merrick family couldn't have imagined just how much their lives, and those backwoods would change.

The plantation grew and became highly successful. The home was expanded with an addition to the small wooden shack. It was built with Florida pine and coral rock. The coral came from the nearby quarry that would eventually be turned into the grand Venetian Pool. Learn more about Venetian Pool here Venetian Pool.

Eventually, George attended college. He was called back home when his father's health began to fade. After his father's passing, George took over the management of the plantation. He married Eunice Peacock and built a home nearby. Eunice was the daughter of the owners of the Peacock Inn, in Coconut Grove, where George and his father had stayed upon their arrival in Miami. 

George began working in real estate and assembled a team of planners, architects, salesmen, and landscapers. He added 1600-acres to his holdings. His dream city was about to begin taking shape. George was a master of promotion and had posters of the coming city displayed throughout Miami. He had built plazas, fountains, and a golf course. In 1921, he was ready to start selling lots and building homes.

He bused in locals and tourists for the first auction of lots. He hired well known auctioneer "Doc" Dammers. Over 5,000 people showed up at that first auction on November 28th, 1921. Many lots were sold that day and construction soon began. "Doc" Dammers would go on to become a mayor of Coral Gables.

It all started in that small wooden shack on 160-acres in that isolated plantation. Today, the Gables House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a rare glimpse into the resourcefulness of these early pioneers.