History of Florida
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The history of Florida can be traced to when the first Paleo-Indians began to inhabit the peninsula as early as 14,000 years ago. They left behind artifacts and archeological remains. Florida's writte
A shell midden at Enterprise, Florida in 1875.
Bernard Picart Copper Plate Engraving of Florida Indians, circa 1721
Juan Ponce de León was one of the first Europeans to set foot in the current United States; he led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named.
Timucua Indians at a column erected by the French in 1562
Juan Ponce de León
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Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer and conquistador known for leading the first European expeditions to Puerto Rico in 1508 and Florida in 1513. He was born in Santervás de Campos, Valladolid,
History of Florida
…years ago. They left behind artifacts and archeological remains. Florida's written history begins with the arrival of Europeans; the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513 made the first textual records. The state received its name from that conquistador, who called the peninsula La Pascua Florida in recognition…
Engraving depicting Ponce de León, in Torquemada's Monarquía Indiana (1615)
The ruins of Juan Ponce de León's residence at Caparra
Juan Ponce de León Conquistador monument in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ponce de León's statue in Plaza San José, San Juan, Puerto Rico