Celebrating the Completion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway
First edition of the publication issued by the Florida Inland Navigation District heralding the completion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway.
This volume is presented in quarto size, bound in the original publisher's deluxe edition, and features illustrations and a fold-out map, all in near fine condition. The design work was undertaken by Associated Advertising, Inc., with illustrations by artist Karl M. Zink.
The construction of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, a monumental project led by the United States Engineer Department, spanned over a decade and absorbed millions of dollars in investment. Extending from the St. Johns River to Miami, this engineering feat was envisioned as a vast, navigable channel, promoting the concept of the "American Riviera." It was meticulously designed to facilitate a broad, well-marked route for maritime passage, enhancing the safety and efficiency of travel along Florida's coast.
Upon its completion, the waterway was touted as a significant advancement for maritime recreation in the United States, offering a new, secure avenue for yachtsmen and maritime enthusiasts. The Florida Intracoastal Waterway was presented not only as a triumph of engineering but also as an invitation to experience the unique charm and vibrant culture of Florida. The rhetoric of the time, as encapsulated by the Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioners, painted the waterway as a gateway to the "romance, glamour, and colorful gaieties of Florida life," encouraging visitors to traverse the state's picturesque landscapes by boat.