Landmarks

Freedom Tower

The Freedom Tower, also known as the Ellis Island of the Cuban community, is where immigration officials processed more than 500,000 Cubans who fled Fidel Castro’s government in the 1960s.  It contained in-processing services, basic medical and dental services, records on relatives already in the U.S. and relief aid for those starting a new life with nothing.  For many thousands of immigrants, the tower provided nothing less than their freedom from Castro and the hardships Cuba had come to give them.

When the infamous Cuban songstress Celia Cruz passed away in July 2003, her body was taken to Miami – her second hometown – to downtown Miami’s Freedom Tower, so her South Florida fans could pay their final respects.  Tens of thousands of mourners attended the viewing, carrying Cuban flags, chanting her name and singing the Cuban national anthem.