Situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida, the Sunshine State has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States. Since the first European contact was made in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon – who named it La Florida, meaning “Flowery Land,” Florida was a challenge for the European colonial powers before it gained statehood in the United States in 1845.
Today, Florida’s culture reflects influences and multiple inheritances; Native American, European American, Hispanic, and African American heritages can be found in architecture and cuisine.
For visitors, Florida offers 663 miles of beaches, three National Parks, and numerous other National Seashores and National Monuments. It also provides over 50 state parks and well-known amusement parks, such as Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens.
For historians, visitors enjoy St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, numerous historic forts and presidios, old plantations, battlefields, lighthouses, and more.
Kathy R. Weiser-Alexander
Owner/Editor
Florida Flag – On a white field emblazoned with a red X and the state seal, Florida’s flag represents the land of sunshine, flowers, palm trees, rivers, and lakes. The seal features a brilliant sun, a cabbage palmetto tree, a steamboat sailing, and a Native American Seminole woman scattering flowers.
Discovery and Exploration of Florida
Fort Caroline – A Short-Lived Colony
Fort Matanzas – Protecting St. Augustine
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Hernando De Soto – Exploring the Southeast
Legends of Captain Kidd’s Treasure
The SS Marine Sulphur Queen – Not Seaworthy
Relics of Ford Dade on Egmont Key
Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus
St. Augustine – Oldest U.S. City
Castillo De San Marcos – Spanish Stronghold
A Walk Through Our Nations Oldest City – St. Augustine (Photo Blog)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine – Florida’s Historical Gem (Legends’ Video)
St. Augustine National Cemetery – Dade Massacre
© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated December 2022.