Exploring Our Nation’s Past through Florida’s History
 | | Seminole Indians once navigated the Everglades in cypress wood canoes like those exhibted at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, above, in Clewiston, Florida. | | (VISIT FLORIDA) |
Did you know that Florida has a history that is older than Jamestown and Plymouth Rock? While some of the first things that come to mind when visiting Florida are the great weather, white sand beaches and world-class theme parks, many people are not aware that the Sunshine State is actually home to the first Thanksgiving, the first European settlement attempt and the oldest city in the United States!
Touring Florida’s historic museums, forts, parks, memorials, cathedrals and castles provides an excellent opportunity to experience our country’s earliest beginnings. Unbeknownst to many Americans, and even Floridians, is the multitude of historical and architectural gems that Florida has to offer.
As Florida continues to grow as a travel destination, it is important to embrace and understand its rich Spanish Colonial history, as well as that of other cultural groups, by dispelling commonly held beliefs about U.S history. There are several “myth busters” and relatively unknown facts about Florida’s role in American history, and how these milestone events have greatly contributed to our nation’s past and future:
For example, it surprises a lot of people when they find out that Spanish explorers, and not pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving! This took place in St. Augustine on September 8, 1565, between the Spanish and Timucuan tribe 56 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock.
Also, the first major European settlement attempt in the continental United States was made in Pensacola, located far west in Florida’s panhandle, which was founded by Tristán de Luna y Arellano in August 1559. Pensacola eventually earned the name City of Five Flags having been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States.
Additionally, the first permanent European settlement in North America and America’s “Oldest City” is Saint Augustine. St. Augustine is often referred to as “the city that was never conquered.” Many interesting historical facts surround this charming city, as it was the first U.S city to plot streets; it quickly grew to become the Spanish center of power in North America for almost 200 years.
Interestingly, the state’s name came about when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon landed on the east coast and named the peninsula “La Florida,” which means “the Land of Flowers,” because the season at that time was “Pascua Florida, which translates to “Flowery Easter.”
In addition to Spanish Colonial heritage, Florida shares other important cultural and historic events for Native Americans and African Americans. For example, most Americans don’t know that people first arrived in what is known as Florida today more than 12 millennia ago. Another interesting fact is that the majority of Florida’s roads that were in use through the early part of the 20th Century were part of a transportation system that was developed by Native Americans.
Florida is home to African American heritage facts that are also not well-known. Specifically, the first recorded African American birth of a child was in Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-Say) in 1607. Later, in 1783, Fort Mose became the first legally-sanctioned, free black settlement in North America.
These are some of the fascinating historic facts about Florida’s history that add to its undeniable tropical charm, and glorious reputation as the Sunshine State. As the trend for educational and historic travel keeps growing, tourists, families and history buffs can enjoy another, fairly unexplored side of Florida that tells stories of a rich Spanish Colonial past, and its important contribution to American history. In fact, only in 2055 will Florida finally be part of the United States for as long as it was ruled by Spain—234 years!
There is so much to explore, unveil, and experience - from the Keys to Florida’s panhandle – that visitors will enjoy along or with their families. The history of the Sunshine State is culturally unique in that it contributes to our nation’s earliest footprints. A truly satisfying travel experience for any American would be to explore beyond the sunny Florida that is already known and appreciated!
For more information about traveling to Florida and exploring its unique place in history, log onto www.VISITFLORIDA.com
| 
