Was James McKay, Senior truly a visionary? Let’s explore the life of this remarkable man, memorialized right here by this bust on the Tampa Riverwalk. James McKay, Senior, the sixth mayor of Tampa, wasn’t your typical politician. Born in Scotland in 1808, he became a master mariner before settling in the United States. Arriving in Tampa in 1846, a village of just 200 souls, James McKay, Senior saw potential. He established businesses, a general store on Franklin Street, a sawmill, and even a shipping line connecting Tampa to the world. James McKay, Senior wasn’t just a businessman. He was a builder, literally. He constructed Hillsborough County’s first non-log courthouse and even secured a contract to carry mail from Tampa to Gainesville. Imagine the arduous journey through the untamed Florida wilderness. James McKay, Senior’s impact is undeniable. He served as Tampa’s mayor from 1859 to 1860, implementing standard procedures and regulating the Jackson Street ferry. He even tried to purchase Fort Brooke for the city. A shrewd businessman, he pioneered the cattle trade with Cuba, driving the local economy. The bust before us commemorates more than just a mayor. It represents a man who shaped Tampa’s destiny, a testament to his vision and resilience. Take a moment to appreciate James McKay, Senior’s contributions, a man who saw potential in a small village and helped transform it into the vibrant city we see today.
Hauptfriedhof
Lost in time stands the Hauptfriedhof Trier. A tranquil expanse in the bustling city it’s more than just a cemetery.