The period between 1830 and 1870 was one of great cultural flourishing and economic prosperity.

In 1832, Syros counted 181 trade ships: a great deal more than the fleets of the other islands: a.o. Hydra with 95, Spetses with 79, Galaksidi with 33. We have to remember that the entire fleet of the Cycladic islands was destroyed during the war against Turks.

After the establishment of the independent Greek state, Hermoupolis counted a population of 13.805. In 1833 it became the capital city of the Cycladic region and its centre of administration and jurisdiction. In 1835, Ioannis Petridis became the first mayor of Hermoupolis. In 1839, Neofitos Vamvas founded the senior school. Syros was the centre of opposition during the reign of king Otto. It was here that the Rebellion of Leotsakos started, in 1862.

Banks, shipping companies, shipyards, guild-halls and printing houses appeared. In 1845, the National Bank opened a branch in Hermoupolis. Through the next few years, we witness the rapid development of such branches of industry as tanneries, soap production and iron metallurgy. Efficiency in shipbuilding increased, reaching a production of 60-80 ships annually. About 2.000 people were employed in the shipbuilding industry in 1835.

In 1835, Hermoupolis counted four printing houses. In 1836, the "Ermis tis Sirou" and "Ermis ton Kikladon" newspapers circulated in the city.

In 1853, there were only three cities in Greece with a population of over 10.000: Athens, Patras and Hermoupolis.

In 1854, the first Greek steamship was built at a private shipyard; in 1856 the first Greek steamship-building company, "I Eliniki Atmoplia", was founded, with the participation of the municipality, the National Bank and 102 other shareholders. The Greek Steamship-building Company challenged the existing Austrian, Italian and French steamers and tradeships: the ships which were launched from the docks of Hermoupolis could easily compete with their foreign counterparts. Apart from the actual ship-building, the wharves also produced the necessary infrastructure like drydocks, shipbuilding installations, workshops for repairs, warehouses, etc.

A public dock was built in 1866. Numerous ships docked at the piers of the harbour of Hermoupolis for taking in stores, transporting visitors and providing the island with the necessary goods. At that time, Hermoupolis became the centre of international trade, ideally situated as it was between the eastern Mediterranean and western Europe.

At a later point in time, a number of textile factories appeared, some of them still operational at the beginning of the 20th century. It was here that the first strike took place, in 1879.

In 1866, Syros took in countless refugees from Crete. Among them was the family of Eleftherios Venizelos, who studied at the senior school of Syros. New schools were opened: girls' schools, a theological college, etc. The Greek Museum was inaugurated.

In 1864, we see the renaissance of the "Apollon Theatre", a small-scale version of the Scala of Milan. In this theatre, many a performance by both Greek and foreign troupes was staged. The Philharmonic orchestra, "Leshi Ellas" was founded at that time.

Taking into account the intellectual prosperity of that period, one is nevertheless surprised at the large number of eminent persons who were born and raised on Syros: