Boca Raton

History of Boca Raton

Boca Raton, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, thriving business community, and luxurious lifestyle. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 97,422, ranking as Florida’s 23rd-largest city in 2022. However, many people with a Boca Raton postal address actually live outside the city limits, particularly in West Boca Raton. The city also experiences a significant daytime population increase due to its role as a major business center.

Originally incorporated in 1924 as "Bocaratone" and later re-incorporated as "Boca Raton" on May 26, 1925, the area has a deep-rooted history dating back to indigenous cultures, Spanish explorers, and British colonial settlements before becoming part of the United States. Boca Raton as it exists today was largely shaped by renowned architect Addison Mizner in the 1920s, whose influence is evident in the city's signature Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Beyond its scenic beaches and upscale residential communities, Boca Raton has played an essential role in the development of the early computer industry. It is the birthplace of IBM's first personal computer and other groundbreaking technologies. The city remains a hub for business and innovation, serving as the headquarters for The ODP Corporation, parent company of Office Depot and OfficeMax. It is also home to Florida Atlantic University and the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy, founded by tennis legend Chris Evert.

Known for its high standards of urban planning, Boca Raton enforces strict development codes that limit the size and type of commercial buildings, signage, and advertisements. This has resulted in beautifully maintained roadways free of billboards, with abundant green spaces. The city’s shopping and entertainment scene is highlighted by premier destinations such as the Town Center at Boca Raton and Mizner Park.

The name "Boca Raton" translates to "Mouse Mouth" in English, though its origin is linked to early Spanish maps where "Boca de Ratones" referred to a rugged inlet with rocky sea floors that could fray anchor cables. Some theories suggest the name also referenced pirates who once sought refuge in the area.

The land that is now Boca Raton was initially inhabited by the Glades culture, a group of Native American hunter-gatherers. Spanish explorers in the 18th century referred to the region as "Rio Seco" or "Dry River," with early map errors eventually shifting the name "Boca Raton" to the present location. European settlement was sparse until the late 19th century when Captain Thomas Moore Rickards became one of the first significant settlers in 1895. The arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway soon after helped spur growth in the area.

By the 1920s, Boca Raton was still a small farming community with a population of just 100, but it quickly transformed under the vision of Addison Mizner into the upscale city it is today. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural sophistication, and business innovation, Boca Raton continues to be one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live, work, and visit.