Plantation, Florida
Plantation in the heart of Broward County began as a suburb of Fort Lauderdale and is a charming, welcoming city in its own right. Over 93,000 people of every ethnic origin live work and play here. Known for its hospitality, Plantation offers all the amenities for business and residents of a big city, with the security and close-knit community of a small town.
About The Community
The founding father of Plantation, Frederick C. Peters and his family moved to South Dade County from Missouri in 1931. Peters developed an interest in cattle, and while looking for more space for grazing he discovered the Plantation area. A subterranean irrigation system consisting of layered muck sand and rock been created here in 1911 and this land was ideal for cultivation of crops. In 1941, he bought 10,000 acres of undeveloped land, which had large alligators, snakes and other wild animals inhabiting it. The area was nicknamed Plantation because many large tracts of land were purchased by city dwellers, who called them “plantations”. The Peters family was instrumental in the discovery of “Plantation Pride” a variety of sorghum that is used as livestock feed worldwide even today.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
Frederick C. Peters sold one-acre lots with 2/3 of the land dedicated to gardens and fruit trees and developed a master plan for a city. The first construction was a home on East Acre Drive for Chauncey Clark, and his family members who moved from Dade County. In 1953, there were less than 500 people and the City of Plantation was incorporated. The city grew in every way over the years and people were attracted to it by the easy pace of life and job opportunities. Major employers include American Express, Motorola, Florida Power and Light, Plantation General Hospital and Westside Regional Medical Center. The city has one of the few municipal libraries in the county. Plantation’s charm, beauty of natural surroundings and prime location near major roadways, has helped it to grow into a flourishing city.
Vicinity of Plantation
Additional Details
There are plenty of facilities for leisure in the city at its many parks and community centers. A new golf course and park area, Plantation Preserve is the pride of the city. In order to encourage use of public transport the city runs a bus service known as the Plantation Tram, in conjunction with Broward County Transit Routes.
The Historical Museum started as a small museum in a back room of City Hall. In 1985, a new building next to the library was inaugurated and subsequently the Fire Museum Annex was added. Today, the Botanical Gardens Park, a meandering and beautiful setting offering peace and quiet, surrounds the Library and Museum. The permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Seminole and Tequesta tribes, memorabilia from the Fire and Police departments, and historically significant families, including the Peters.
There is plenty of shopping in Plantation. The Fountains Shoppes of Distinction is an open-air 450,000 square feet complex featuring shopping, entertainment and dining. East Sawgrass Shopping District offers an array of specialized retail stores and restaurants. The Broward Mall is a local favorite as well.
