Sunshine State Saga – Part I, From the Beginning through the 1800s

In 1763 Spain cedes Florida to the British at the end of the French and Indian War, and regains control of nearby Cuba.

After the American Revolution begins in earnest in 1776 and rages until 1783, Florida undergoes several changes in control of the region.The Spanish once again rule the future state, having wrested control from the British as part of the Treaty of Paris.

A new migration of property seekers begins, with scores of settlers hoping to live off the land. Some of these new residents are escaped slaves, seeking their freedom.

Early 1800s
Turbulent Times
The Seminoles, who often provide safe haven for slaves, inadvertently sow the seeds of future conflict. The First Seminole War breaks out in 1817 and lasts a year, playing out in both Florida and southern portions of Georgia. A general, named Andrew Jackson, makes a name for himself.

In 1821 the Spanish formally turn over ownership of Florida to the nascent United States of America, as part of the Adams-Onis Treaty. Seminole landholders are encouraged to leave the region for the designated “Indian Territory” in what is now Oklahoma.

In 1822 Jacksonville becomes an official port of entry for goods going in and out of the state.

The Second Seminole War begins in 1835 as many Indians refuse to leave Florida and their land.

In the same year, 1835, a hurricane hits Miami, slicing into the coast and opening a channel around Biscayne Bay.

1840s
Statehood
In the early 1840s, people continue to make their way south to settle in Florida and the territory’s towns grow, in the midst of the Second Seminole War.

The fierce fighting over land and property rights known as the Second Seminole War comes to a close in 1842, at a reported cost of more than $20 million dollars to the United States.

As discussion begins about making the territory a state, some say Florida should be divided into two: East Florida and West Florida.

Congress, however, decides Florida should be admitted as a single state. President John Tyler, the country’s 10th president, signs the bill admitting Florida to the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845.

1850s
More Conflict
As the region heads into the 1850s and more settlers head south into Florida,the state is on the fringes of the slavery issue.