The History of Boca Raton

04 Nov The History of Boca Raton

Our pawn shop in Boca Raton has stood for three generation in this beautiful, growing town and we are proud to grow along with it, connecting new people and families.

Knowing a little bit about the area’s history is a great way to develop a true appreciation for the community.  

Early History

• According to the Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum, the Spanish word boca, or mouth, often describes an inlet, while raton means mouse. Boca de Ratones or Boca Ratones, as the area originally appeared on maps, was a navigational term referring to a rocky or jagged inlet. 

• The earliest citizens of Boca Raton area were Tequesta Indians. They lived near the ocean until the eighteenth century. The construction of the Florida East Coast Canal and the Florida East Coast Railway in the 1890s made the region more accessible to pioneers.

The 20^th Century

• By the early 1900s, Boca Raton was taking shape as a tiny agricultural community. Many of the farmers specialized in pineapple cultivation. Among those were a group of Japanese immigrants under the leadership of Joseph Sakai, who formed a community along today’s Yamato Road.

• In 1925, the Town of Boca Raton was incorporated. The town council commissioned famous society architect Addison Mizner to plan a world-class resort community. 

• In the 1930s and 40s, Boca was known for its winter vegetable crop, particularly the green beans that commanded a premium in northern markets.

• In the 1960s, South Florida experienced another land boom, with developments pushing the Everglades and former farmlands westward. The population grew by 1970, continuing to increase outside city limits to this day. New shops were built, including jewelry stores and pawn shops.

Modern Boca Raton

• Today the city of Boca Raton (which at one point had been a farming village of 18) is home to 80,000 residents within its city limits and another 120,000 in “West Boca.” It offers beautiful parks and facilities, economic opportunities, and a unique quality of life.

Our Boca Raton pawn shop and jewelry store has served the local community for three generations and we have watched it change every day. Come to us if you want to sell your engagement ring, buy estate jewelry or find a unique present for someone special in your life and you will become a part of our history!