Let’s take a tour of some of the Florida Historical Sites for history buffs in this post. I love history and am sorry that I didn’t acquire the taste for history until long after I was an adult. I am sure that I have at least one good history teacher in my life.
As a fan of history and a long-time Florida resident, I have put together some places to put on your “must visit” list the next time you come to visit the Sunshine State.
St. Augustine: The Nation’s Oldest City
Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is not just the oldest city in Florida, but the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the continental United States. Walking through the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine is like stepping back in time.
– Castillo de San Marcos: The stone fortress stands as a monument to the Spanish empire’s vast reach. Completed in 1695, it is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and offers daily reenactments and cannon firings.
– Historic District: With buildings dating back to the 1700s, guided tours will introduce you to the city’s storied past, including the oldest wooden schoolhouse.
Florida Historical Sites: The Keys and Fort Jefferson
Far from mainland Florida, the Keys hold stories of pirates, wreckers, and the struggle for control over the Gulf of Mexico.
– Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson: Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this massive but unfinished coastal fortress is the largest masonry structure in the Americas, featuring over 16 million bricks.
Pensacola: The City of Five Flags
Pensacola has changed hands among the Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and United States governments, earning its nickname for the various flags that have flown over it.
– Historic Pensacola Village: Visit the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum to start your trip through time, then walk amongst the historic homes and buildings.
– Fort Barrancas: Standing on a bluff overlooking Pensacola Bay, Fort Barrancas is a reminder of the city’s strategic military importance.
Tampa Bay: Cigars and Battleships
Tampa Bay’s history is rich with industry and war, from cigar factories to crucial military outposts.
– Ybor City: Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Ybor City today is a National Historic Landmark District where visitors can still see expert cigar rollers at work.
– SS American Victory: A World War II-era ship now functions as a maritime museum, giving visitors a taste of life at sea during tumultuous times.
The Space Coast: Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center
Florida’s Space Coast is synonymous with the Space Age and NASA’s endeavors to explore the cosmos. I am thrilled to call this home.
– Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Here, history buffs can delve into the story of America’s space exploration, including the Apollo missions that landed men on the moon.
– Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: Tour launch complexes and the Air Force Space & Missile Museum to learn about the early days of spaceflight.
Florida Historical Sites in Central Florida: Citrus and Seminoles
Central Florida is a blend of natural beauty and the clash between the Seminole tribe and American settlers.
– The Citrus Tower: Built in 1956, it stands as a monument to Florida’s citrus industry boom.
– Seminole State Historic Site: Visit the battlegrounds of the longest and most costly Indian war in American history.
The Panhandle: Battles and Beachheads
The Panhandle holds history from the Civil War and early European settlements.
– Fort Pickens: Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it was one of only four forts in the South not occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War.
– Mission San Luis: A living history museum in Tallahassee that was once the western capital of Spanish Florida.
Miami and the Gold Coast: Boomtowns and Art Deco
Miami’s vibrant history as a 20th-century boomtown and cultural melting pot is on full display.
– Art Deco Historic District: Miami Beach’s iconic pastel-colored buildings stand as relics of the 1930s style.
– Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This stunning waterfront estate showcases the opulence of Miami’s early 20th-century millionaire residents.
Conclusion
Florida’s historical sites offer a captivating look at the many layers of its past. From pre-Columbian settlements to the drama of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the state’s history is as diverse and dynamic as its landscape. These sites not only educate but also inspire awe with their stories of human endeavor, resilience, and innovation.
For history enthusiasts, a trip to Florida can be an interesting beyond the Mickey and Minnies of the world. It can be a treasure hunt of the best places to experience Florida’s history.
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Julie L. Cleveland 