Lake Worth is named for the Lake Worth Lagoon, which is next to the city of today. The name comes from that of William J. Worth, a general in the Second Seminole War. This city has a rich history, and it was inhabited by Native Americans known as the Jaega before non-Native settlers arrived. Still, the city has remnants of Native American roots. Shell mounds can still be found.
The first non-Native American settlers to arrive were two ex-slaves called Samuel and Fannie James. They settled in 1883 and made a claim using the Homestead Act. Their land holdings doubled, and they eventually sold to the Palm Beach Farms Company. The area’s post office was called Jewel and was a stop on the trail of the famous barefoot mailmen of Florida.
The extension of Henry Flagler’s rail line was instrumental in the formation of the present-day Lake Worth. Settlers were able to acquire large land lots and also smaller lots within the City of Lake Worth. The year 1911 marked a year of real progress for the city. The first church, Chamber of Commerce, newspaper, and women’s club were all established in that year.
Lake Worth is located very close to West Palm Beach, so if you want to take a break and go somewhere new, some of Florida’s best nightlife, restaurants, shops, and more are just a short drive away. Several schools are located in the city, making it ideal if you have children. Many schools, both public and private, are available for resident consideration.
Plenty of recreational opportunities are here, too. Many public parks exist, and the Municipal Beach offers a public yet unspoiled stretch of beach available to all. An interesting location, Bryant Park, also has a 1920s band shell which is useful for special events. There is a new boardwalk, and you can share your city with an array of wildlife including herons, egrets, cormorants, and more.
