Vero Beach History

The history of Vero Beach is firmly rooted in an industry that continues today - citrus. Originally packed and shipped via the Indian River steamboats, the arrival of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad in 1893 marked a turning point as developers began to discover the beauty of our area. From Arthur McKee's 1931 opening of his Jungle Gardens (now McKee Botanical Gardens) to the Brooklyn Dodgers choosing Vero Beach in 1948 as the home of Dodgertown training camp, we've got a fascinating history. Come visit us and immerse yourself in our rich heritage!