Its primary significance lay in navigation and maritime safety. The construction of the Cape Florida Lighthouse in the 1820s marked a turning point. Built to guide ships through the treacherous Florida Straits, the lighthouse became both a practical structure and a symbol of human effort to impose order on a dangerous coastline. Its history is inte
Key Biscayne is a slender barrier island lying just south of Miami
separated from the mainland by the broad sweep of Biscayne Bay and connected by a graceful causeway that feels like a passage into a different rhythm of life. Though small in size, Key Biscayne carries a history and cultural presence far larger than its geography suggests. Its story is one of natural beauty, Indigenous roots, colonial encounters,
The Autorama’s legacy also highlights the emotional power of automobiles in American
culture. Cars are more than machines; they are vessels of memory, identity, and desire. By presenting them as art and performance, James Melton tapped into these deeper meanings, creating an attraction that resonated beyond technical specifications. Today, discussions of lost Florida attractions often include the Autorama as an example of creati
Behind the scenes, maintaining the Autorama required constant effort.
Vehicles needed careful preservation, cleaning, and security. Displays had to be updated to remain fresh and relevant. The logistics of acquiring rare cars, arranging exhibitions, and managing operations demanded both financial resources and organizational skill. James Melton’s dedication and resources were essential to sustaining this complex en