Little Havana in Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Impact of the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Miami
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, March 21, 2024
1. Impact of the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Miami Marker
During 1960 and early 1961, Cuban exiles from Miami flew from Opa-Locka airport to Guatemala to become part of the almost 1,300 men of Brigade 2506 who were recruited, trained, and equipped by the CIA during the Eisenhower administration. The Brigade’s Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba on April 17, 1961, resulted in defeat due mainly to lack of operational and logistical support. Over 100 men were killed, and the rest were imprisoned as POWs for 20 months. Through negotiations, the prisoners were released in December 1962. The invasion’s failure did not destroy the dream of returning to Cuba, but it did cause for most Cuban exiles to look to Miami as more than a temporary refuge. Beginning anew with little, education and careers became important concerns for them. Hundreds of Brigade 2506 served in the U.S. Armed Forces and fought for this country in various conflicts around the world. Most of them became professionals, joining the growing Cuban community that helped to enrich and develop today’s Miami as a vibrant, exciting, and successful city.
En 1960 y a principios de 1961 cubanos exiliados en Miami fueron transportados desde el aeropuerto de Opa-Locka a Guatemala para formar parte de los más de 1,300 hombres de la Brigada 2506 que fueron reclutados, adiestrados y equipados por la CIA durante la administración de Eisenhower. El 17 de abril de 1961 la Brigada invadió a Cuba por la Bahía de Cochinos y fue derrotada por la falta de apoyo operacional y logístico, causando la muerte de más de 100 de sus miembros y el resto encarcelados como POWs por más de 20 meses. A través de negociaciones los prisioneros fueron liberados en diciembre de 1962. El fallo de la invasión no destruyó el sueño de un retorno a Cuba, pero causó que los exiliados consideraran a Miami como algo más que un refugio temporal. La educación, los trabajos, y comenzar una nueva vida se convirtieron en prioridades. Cientos de Brigadistas sirvieron en las Fuerzas Armadas de EE. UU. y pelearon por este país en varios conflictos alrededor del mundo. La mayoría se convirtieron en profesionales, ingresando a una comunidad de cubanos que ayudó a enriquecer y desarrollar el Miami de hoy, o sea, en una vibrante, excitante y exitosa ciudad.
Erected 2021
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is April 17, 1961.
Location. 25° 45.942′ N, 80° 12.991′ W. Marker is in Miami, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is in Little Havana. It is at the intersection of Southwest 13th Avenue and Tamiami Trail, in the median on Southwest 13th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 806 SW 13th Ave, Miami FL 33135, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Florida and on the Gold Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bay of Pigs Monument
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, March 21, 2024
2. Bay of Pigs Invasion Monument
Other markers no longer nearby. Nestor A. Izquierdo (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Memorial to the Fallen of Cuban Liberation (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); José Martí (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); General Antonio Maceo (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
