Subject
Florida -- History -- To 1821 Books
Best books
William W. (William Whitwell) Dewhurst
The History of Saint Augustine, Florida
"The History of Saint Augustine, Florida" by William W. Dewhurst is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the early history and significant events surrounding Saint Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. It covers not only the founding and development of the city but also early explorations by Spanish and French forces in Florida. The opening of the book lays the groundwork for a comprehensive history of Saint Augustine, acknowledging the universal human desire to understand one's ancestral origins. Dewhurst reflects on the challenges of chronicling the town's past, citing the mixed reliability of early historical accounts. He highlights the significance of the area through brief mentions of early Spanish expeditions and the motives of explorers like Juan Ponce de Leon, who sought glory and wealth. The chapter hints at the ambitious attempts made by different nations (notably Spain and France) to stake their claims in Florida, foreshadowing the complex interactions between European settlers and indigenous peoples, as well as the conflicts that would arise in the pursuit of colonization.
Richard L. Campbell
Historical Sketches of Colonial Florida
"Historical Sketches of Colonial Florida" by Richard L. Campbell is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the history of British rule in West Florida and its interactions with Spanish colonialism, focusing particularly on the settlement of Pensacola and the indigenous Creeks. It provides a detailed exploration of pivotal events, figures, and shifting power dynamics in the colonial period. The opening of the narrative introduces the expedition of Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528, illustrating the challenges faced by early European explorers and settlers. It recounts Narvaez's ill-fated journey to find a route to Mexico, the landing at what is now Pensacola Bay, and the subsequent misfortunes that befell him and his crew. These include shipwreck, harsh conditions, and encounters with indigenous peoples. The text sets the stage for further discussion of subsequent Spanish explorations, as well as the establishment of a settlement by Don Tristram de Luna in the mid-16th century, emphasizing the legacy and complexities of colonial endeavors in Florida.
Recently surfaced classics