From the state archives: "Adam G. Adams is president of the Historical Association of Southern Florida. J. Douglas MacVicar is Chairman of the Dade County Board of Commissioners. Pan American World Airways amphibians took off on pioneer flights vital in linking the Americas. By federal order on October 16, 1928, the original 116 acres became the first customs entry airport on the United States Atlantic-side mainland. In 1929, it became the first regular airmail flown to Nassau on January 2; to Puerto Rico January 9, and on February 4th Colonel Lindbergh inaugurated regular airmail to Panama. In 1931, when Pan American began using flying boats from Dinner Key, Eastern Air Transport, started its first scheduled passenger service to New York. In 1945, the field was purchased by Dade County, expanded and renamed the Miami International Airport."