James Deering

James Deering is not to be confused with John Deere––another manufacturer of agricultural machinery, and in the early 1900s, a competitor of International Harvester. By then, Deering had become one of America’s wealthiest people.

Shortly after his retirement from the family business in 1908, Deering began to plan a winter home. Like his father, he looked to Miami’s warm climate. In 1916 he took up residence at Vizcaya, which was just barely finished, and spent winter seasons there until his death in 1925. Deering remained a lifelong bachelor.

Visit Deering’s suite of rooms on the second floor to learn more about life at Vizcaya.

11/12/1859 - 9/21/1925