This booklet is about Florida's history and its contribution, describing its origin, territories, influence on other colonies, symbols, and state revenue.
1. Florida History Unit
2. Origins • In the early 1500’s There were three large Native American cultures in Florida: the Timucua in Northeast and Central Florida,
3. Origins • the Apalachee in the Big Bend area,
4. Origins • and the Calusa in South Florida.
5. Spanish Influence • Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León and his expedition were the first documented Europeans to land on the Florida peninsula. He landed on the East Coast, near present-day St. Augustine.
6. Spanish Influence • Ponce de León named the peninsula "Florida" as the season was "Pascua Florida" (Flowery Easter). • He then sailed to South Florida, where he was wounded in a fight with the members of the Calusa.
7. Spanish Influence • After serving time as governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de León returns to Florida in search of gold. Contracted by the Spanish crown to colonize and Christianize the native peoples, Ponce de León was killed in South Florida.
8. Spanish Influence • 1539-1542 • Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, landed in Florida with an 800-man expedition. After wintering in present-day Tallahassee.
9. England’s Influence • 1763 • The end of the French and Indian (Seven Years War) results in the transfer of Florida from Spain to England. The colony was divided into East and West Florida. St. Augustine remains the capital of East Florida, with Pensacola the capital of West Florida.
10. England’s Influence • 1771 • The American Revolution begins. Florida did not join its fellow thirteen English colonies in the revolution and remained loyal to England.
11. An American Territory • 1821 • Florida becomes a US Territory, with Andrew Jackson as its first governor.
12. Statehood • 1821 • Tallahassee was established as the capitol of Florida. • 1845 • The Act establishing statehood for Florida was approved on March 3, 1845 by the second session of the 28th Congress. Florida the 27th state.