Florida History Summary

Andrew Jackson was, in fact, sent down to Fort Scott, Georgia (border of George and Florida) because of Seminole retaliatory strikes against the United States in late 1817. General Jackson concluded that it was necessary for the United States to invade Spanish territory and forcibly take control of Pensacola, thereby dispersing (or killing) the Indians gathered there. Spain realized that they could not keep the United States from talking over the Florida territory so in 1819 Spain agreed to sell Florida to the United States.

The Territory of Florida was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 30, 1822, until March 3, 1845

Spanish minister Luis de Onis and U.S. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams sign the Florida Purchase Treaty, in which Spain agrees to cede the remainder of its old province of Florida to the United States. Florida was organized as a U.S. territory in 1822

Florida was admitted into the United States as a slave state in 1845.

The Second Seminole War (1835–1842) was the result of the United States government attempting to force the Seminoles to leave Florida altogether and move to Indian Territory per the Indian Removal Act of 1830.  The leaders of the Second Seminole War were Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, and Winfield Scott.

Florida wanted to enter the Union as a slave state. It would take six years for Congress to act. In 1845, President John Tyler signed the bill allowing Florida to become a slave state. In order to obtain the approval of Northern states, Iowa became a free state.

Some thought Florida should be divided into two States, East Florida and West Florida, while others thought it should not be divided. Finally, Congress agreed that Florida should come into the Union as one State, and the bill was signed by President Tyler, March 3, 1845 only one day before the end of President John Tyler's term in office. Florida became the 27th state to join the United States of America. The state was admitted as a slave state and ceased to be a sanctuary for runaway slaves.

Florida Trivia

• The economy was developed over time, starting with natural resource exploitation 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.

• In 2014 Florida, with over 19 million people, surpassed New York and became the third most populous state.

Was Florida ever underwater?  Throughout most of its history, Florida has been under water. Portions of the Florida peninsula have been above or below sea level at least four times. As glaciers of ice in the north expanded and melted, the Florida peninsula emerged and submerged. ... The sea level was as much as 100 feet lower than at present.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florida

• Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World.

• Kennedy Space Center. Kennedy Space Center.

• Universal Studios. Universal Studios.

• Miami Beach and the Art Deco Historic District. Miami Beach and the Art Deco Historic District.

• Everglades National Park. ...

• Daytona 500 International Speedway. 

• SeaWorld Orlando. 

• Busch Gardens Tampa.

Here are some of the tastiest, most famous foods you can find in our state:

• Florida Orange Juice.

• Key Lime Pie. 

• The Cuban Sandwich. 

• Conch Fritters. 

• Florida Stone Crab.

• Strawberries/Strawberry Shortcake.

• Apalachicola Oysters.

Who is the current Seminole chief ?  Mitchell Cypress

Does the Seminole tribe still exist ?  Today, they principally live in Oklahoma with a minority in Florida, and they comprise three federally recognized tribes: the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, as well as independent groups.