Pompano's first canal -- now known as the Pompano Canal -- was constructed in the early years of the 20th century as a means to control mosquitoes. It ran from the Cypress Creek nearly to the FEC tracks, just south of the business district.

One of the primary advocates for its creation was the newly-formed Pompano Beach Woman's Club. When it was dedicated, the featured speaker was three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan.