George Morikami facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Morikami
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Sukeji Morikami
November 4, 1886 Miyazu, Kyoto, Japan
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| Died | February 29, 1976 (aged 89) |
Sukeji "George" Morikami (November 4, 1886 – February 29, 1976) was a Japanese immigrant who moved to the United States. He became a successful farmer in Palm Beach County, Florida, for over 65 years. George Morikami is best known for donating his 200 acres (about 80 hectares) of farm land to Palm Beach County in 1973. This generous gift helped create a special park and Japanese garden.
George Morikami's Journey to America
George Morikami was born in Miyazu, Kyoto, Japan. He was 19 years old when he decided to move to the United States. He arrived on May 3, 1906.
He came to join a Japanese farming group called the Yamato Colony. This community was located in what is now Boca Raton, Florida. George paid $150 for his trip to America. He also agreed to work for three years to pay off his travel costs.
He hoped to receive $500 and some land after three years. His plan was to take the money and return to Japan. However, his sponsor passed away in 1906. This meant George did not receive the money or land he was promised. He was then unable to go back to Japan.
Farming Life and Challenges
The Yamato Colony farming community eventually did not succeed. Despite this, George Morikami decided to stay in Florida. He worked hard and eventually became very successful.
During World War II, the United States government needed land for military training. George and other Japanese farmers had their land taken by the government. This land was used to build an Army Air Corps training base. Today, part of that land is the Boca Raton Airport.
Near the end of the war, George Morikami bought new land. This time, his farm was in Delray Beach, Florida. He continued to farm this land for nearly 30 more years.
A Lasting Legacy
George Morikami passed away at the age of 89 in 1976. This was just one year after work began on Morikami Park. This county park was built on the very land he had so generously donated to Palm Beach County.
His ashes were later returned to his hometown of Miyazu, Japan. There is a special monument dedicated to him in the Japanese gardens at Morikami Park. To honor George Morikami, Delray Beach is now a sister city with Miyazu, Japan.
