Until 1973, when it collapsed, the forty-foot natural bridge of oolitic limestone spanning Arch Creek was one of South Florida's earliest landmarks. Prehistoric Indians occupied this site hundreds of years before European exploration. In the early 1800s, Seminole Indians lived in the area until United States soldiers forced them out during the Second Seminole War of 1836-42. During the Third Seminole War of 1855-59, a military trail connecting Ft. Dallas and Ft. Lauderdale passed over the bridge. In 1892, the first country road to South Florida crossed here, and the Dixie Highway also crossed here after opening in 1915. This natural bridge attracted tourists and settlers, and a community known as Arch Creek grew up around the Arch Creek station of the Florida East Coast Railroad. By 1903, enough settlers lived there to warrant opening the Arch Creek Post Office, which later became the North Miami Post Office.