Florida History Museum

American Mastodon

The history of Florida can be traced back to when the first Native Americans began to inhabit the peninsula as early as 14,000 years ago. They left behind artifacts and archeological evidence. Written history begins with the arrival of Europeans to Florida; the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513 made the first records. The state was the first mainland realm of the United States to be settled by Europeans. Thus, 1513 marked the beginning of the American Frontier.

Giant Armadillo

 first Native Americans

burned out the center wood

to fashion a log canoe

From that time of contact, Florida has had many waves of immigration, including French and Spanish settlement during the 16th century, as well as entry of new Native American groups migrating from elsewhere in the South, and free blacks and fugitive slaves, who became known as Black Seminoles. Florida was under colonial rule by Spain and Great Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries before becoming a territory of the United States in 1822. Two decades later, in 1845, Florida was admitted to the union as the 27th US state. Since the 19th century, immigrants have arrived from Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Mission of San Luis

the Spanish influence

Native Americans,
 "Indians"

 Native American garment

Seminole Leaders

Civil War

Civil War battle flag

Union Army Transport

Vacation State

personal auto licensees

Vehicle for Tin Can Tourism

tin can tourist camp

1925 Ford Model T

1911 Baker Electric Car

tourist destinations

Pink Flamingos

Florida is nicknamed the "Sunshine State" due to its warm climate and days of sunshine, which have attracted northern migrants and vacationers since the 1920s. A diverse population and urbanized economy have developed. In 2011 Florida, with over 19 million people, passed New York and became the third largest state in population.

Agricultural State

milling

forest tree stump puller

logging industry

pea huller

The economy has developed over time, starting with the use of natural resources in logging, mining, fishing, and sponge diving; as well as cattle ranching, farming, and citrus growing. The tourism, real estate, trade, banking, and retirement destination businesses followed.

Text from Wikipedia

citrus washer and sorter

abundance of oranges

citrus trademarks

People and Places