The Barefoot Mailman Historical hike took place on February 3-4, 2024. This 35-mile hike from Pompano Beach to Miami Beach has happened every year since 1964. The Boy Scouts of America South Florida gather in Pompano Beach and carry a mailbag to their destination in Miami Beach. This hike honors the historical legacy of the original 15 Barefoot Mailmen that traveled between 1885-1893 to deliver mail to those living in Miami. Hikers carry their gear for the 2-day hike and at the end march the last leg of hike with flags, while walking barefoot along the coastline. It provides numerous challenges and opportunities for Scouts, and Scouters, to test and show their teamwork, planning, self-sufficiency, and Scouting skills while preparing and participating on this hike.
In October 1887, Carrier James Hamilton mysteriously disappeared along the journey. It is believed that he lost his life at Hillsboro Inlet, attempting to retrieve a dingy he used to get across the waterway. The annual Barefoot Mailman Hike commemorates these mailmen by completing Hamilton’s final route.
Approximately over 300 hikers participated in this annual tradition. Customer Relations Coordinators, Edwin Vivas, and Michelle Inman, with the United States Postal Service were on site to present the Pictorial Postmark for the Barefoot Mailman.
