Coconut Grove’s Bahamian history in its early years is closely connected to the first years of settlement in South Florida. Families from the Bahamas helped to build homes, farms, businesses, and social institutions in an area that was still relatively undeveloped.
Early Settlers and the Beginning of Coconut Grove
In the 19th century, many people moved to South Florida for land and new opportunities. Settlers from the Bahamas sailed across the Atlantic and established small communities along the coast. The warm climate, and the access to the sea made this region familiar to many Bahamian families.
One of the first permanent residents was Ann Beasley and her husband Edmund Beasley. They settled in the area that later became an important part of Coconut Grove. As more settlers arrived, a small village slowly appeared. In 1873, a local post office was opened and the settlement received the name Cocoanut Grove. Although the spelling later changed, the name remained.
Several early families helped the community grow:
- The Beasley family settled among the first residents.
- The Pent family joined the developing village.
- The Frow family also became part of the settlement.
- Sailors and workers from the Bahamas continued arriving during the following years.
These newcomers brought skills in farming, fishing, boat work, and construction. Such knowledge was valuable in a frontier environment where many basic services did not yet exist.
Bahamian Migration and Community Growth
A major change happened when the Bay View House opened during the late nineteenth century. The hotel created demand for workers and attracted many black Bahamian residents from Key West and the islands. One of the earliest was Mariah Brown, who arrived from Eleuthera.
As employment opportunities expanded, more relatives and friends followed. People found work in hotels, households, farms and building projects. Gradually, a stable Bahamian community developed in Coconut Grove.
The Role of Ebenezer Stirrup
An important figure in the early Bahamian history of Coconut Grove was Ebenezer Woodbury Franklin Stirrup Sr. He first worked in different jobs, including service and agricultural work. Instead of accepting only wages, he sometimes received land. Over time he acquired significant property and became one of the most successful residents in the area.
Stirrup built many homes using local Dade County Pine. The houses often followed the shotgun style, a design also seen in the Bahamas and other Caribbean regions. Many of these buildings provided housing for newly arrived immigrants.