Dana Dorsey, a black pioneer, came to Miami around 1892 with the railroad from Quitman, Georgia. It is said that with $25.00 he purchased his first parcel of land which he developed into a business empire. Through wise investments, he amasses the largest real estate holdings of any black man in the United States becoming Miami’s first black millionaire. His numerous enterprises in Miami included the Dorsey Hotel, a popular gathering place in the 1920’s and a neighborhood dry goods store. He had real estate holdings in Dade and Broward counties, Cuba and the Bahamas. It was said that on Sundays, Dorsey rode around in a chauffeured limousine collecting rents from tenants.

Dorsey used his wealth and influence as a businessman and property owner to make significant contributions to the community. He donated to Dade County Public Schools the property at Northwest 71^st Street and 17^th Avenue, on which Dorsey High School was later built. He also donated land to the community’s first park and library.

Named in his memory are Dorsey High School (now the Dorsey Skills Center in Liberty City), Dorsey Park and Dorsey Avenue (Northwest 3^rd Avenue). The Dorsey House located at 250 Northwest 9^th Street in Miami, is listed as an historic site.