Baker Homestead in Coral Gables in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

State of Florida Historic Roadway

Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014

1. State of Florida Historic Roadway Marker

Inscription. Originally eight feet wide, Le Jeune Road was built by James D. Girtman (1874-1960). In addition to being a road builder, Mr. Girtman was also a successful grocer, fur trader, expert on Seminole culture, and fruit and vegetable grower. In 1902, Mr. Girtman raised $250 to build Le Jeune Road. The effort was regarded as highly successful. The road is named for Charles Le Jeune, a wealthy Belgian, who settled here in 1899. Born in 1878, he was educated at the best schools in Europe, attending colleges in Paris, Bonne, and Heidelberg, where he majored in horticulture. He purchased the "Jackson Homestead," 140 acres of harsh coral rock land four miles west of Coconut Grove, and converted them into fruit groves by using dynamite so that the trees could be planted in straight lines. The dirt road that marked the eastern boundary of his property came to be known as Le Jeune Road. Coral Gables City Hall now sits on the northeast corner of the property. He sold his property to George Merrick in 1924. Although he received some cash, most was in monthly payments. However, in less than three years, Le Jeune's mortgage was in default

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because of the decline of the economy and the land bust. Charles Le Jeune died penniless in 1941.

Erected by City of Coral Gables.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 25° 42.404′ N, 80° 15.649′ W. Marker is in Coral Gables, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is in Baker Homestead. It is at the intersection of South Le Jeune Road (State Road 953) and Riveria Drive, on the right when traveling north on South Le Jeune Road. Marker is located in Ingraham Terrace Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4751 West Ingraham Terrace, Miami FL 33133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Florida,

on the Gold Coast,

and in Greater Miami.

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

Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014

2. State of Florida Historic Roadway Marker

Ingraham Park is in the background to the left.

Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Coral Gables Waterway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pinewood (Cocoplum) Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Dr. Eleanor Galt Simmons-Office and Stable (approx. 0.8 miles away); Cocoanut Grove Park (approx. 1.2 miles away); GFWC Coco Plum Woman's Club (approx. 1.3 miles away); El Jardin (approx. 1.3 miles away); Evangelist Street Charles Avenue (approx. 1.4 miles away); Cocoanut Grove Public Utilities Company (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coral Gables.

Also see . . . Le Juene Road. Wikipedia (Submitted on July 1, 2014.)

Le Jeune Road with marker in the distance at the center of the photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014

3. Le Jeune Road with marker in the distance at the center of the photo

Ingraham Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014

4. Ingraham Park

The historic marker is in Ingraham Park, facing Le Jeune Road.

Le Jeune street sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, June 28, 2014

5. Le Jeune street sign

Coral Gables street signs are placed at ground level, preserved to honor the memory of George Merrick.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,013 times since then and 132 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 29, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.