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Visitors to downtown Miami cannot help but notice the Freedom Tower. Built in 1925 it was first the home of Miami News and Metropolis. Originally the 255-foot tower had a bright light that shone down on the bay like a lighthouse.

In the 1950′s the newspaper went out of business, and the building was empty until the 1960′s when it was purchased by the US Government to process a large number of Cuban refugees who were fleeing Communist Cuba. Documents were processed in the building, and refugees were offered free medical and dental treatment. When the rush of refugees came to an end in the early 70′s, the US Government moved out. Many owners later, in 1997, Jorge Mas Canosa bought the tower building for a reported $1.4 million, restored the property and turned it into a museum and library.

Freedom Tower was eventually inherited by Miami Dade College, and is used today for exhibits. The original building and tower will remain preserved, though there is talk about expanding it.

If you visit Miami, you will find it on Biscayne Boulevard across the street from the American Airline Arena and Bayside Marketplace.

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