The United States

[weavemswee]

Hi,
This is probably a question more directed to the American members, or people with a good knowledge of the US states and their history but I just wondered how Florida compares to the other states.
For example - is it typical ? - what is its history ?
On the surface it seems a lot more 'touristy' but I don't really know.
As much as I will enjoy all the entertainment of the parks in Orlando I also enjoy finding out the history of places I visit.
All the states seem to be so diverse with their own interesting culture and history that I can imagine visting America for many years to come.
Can anyone recommend a website which discusses this - or maybe someone has had a great time in other parts of the USA.
I know this forum is specifically for Florida so apologies for straying off the subject a bit.

[fiona]

Try this website

http://www.floridahistory.org/events/museum.htm

and this discussion on here

http://www.orlandoguide.info/forums/...?TOPIC_ID=8803

There is alot more to see than just the theme parks. Florida is rich in Indian history - it's a matter of searching it out.

Sorry this only covers Florida, each State has a varied historical past. You could just try some general searches on google and see what turns up!

[ctgirlscout]

You can also check out St. Augustine in FL, which is the oldest city in the US, settled originally by the Spanish. Each part of the US is unique, with its own history and culture. Personally, I love the deep South, but most Americans don't consider Florida the deep south due to all the people that retire or immigrate there from other areas.

[Lyn]

We visited St. Augustine 2 years ago and did not like it at all, they are very proud of it's history and I think I was expecting to much, compared to the UK it was not very old. All the buildings were wooden and the architecture was very plain compared to our historic buildings. Florida is also very flat so there is not much of a landscape. When we went to Yosemite in California the landscape takes your breath away. On saying this Florida is my favorite place on the planet I can't really explain why, it is mixture of everything.

[mr flibble]

Hi
Florida is not one of the greatest states to visit if you like history,compared to the U.K. everything in the US is brand new.
Florida only experianced a population explosion after the invention of air conditioning (I kid you not)
We like St Augustine but we knew what to expect.
There is a good fort there which Francis Drake attacked a few times.
Now for History our favorite is Virginia !!!!
Florida does have a few living history events during the year which may interest you.(Usualy the American civil War)
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long until October your`e making me [msncry]
Regards
Ian[msncool]

[Ray&Sarah]

I guess thats part of the attraction for Americans wanting to come to the UK and Europe, they like the history. We just take it for granted and our kids think history is well boring.

[ctgirlscout]

Virginia is a great place for history, as is Massachussetts. Much more scenic, too.

[pbensur]

Florida is VERY touristy as you suggested - it's an entity all it's own. You definitely can't form an opinion of the United States based on Florida!! And yes, our history is definitely "newer" - and Teresa has mentioned 2 terrific states that celebrate our U.S. history. Williamsburg, Virginia, Boston, Massachussetts and also Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are great cities to visit and give a wonderful education of the birth of our country.

Now, if you want to experience some awe-inspiring NATURAL history - the Western states are unsurpassed. The Black Hills of South Dakota, Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, Muir Woods in California and of course The Grand Canyon in Arizona as well as the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest are truly incredible to see.

[ctgirlscout]

All beautiful places, Patty! I'd like to add one of my personal favorites, Vermont. Probably my favorite as I can go there for a weekend, but one of the most beautiful states.

[pbensur]

I have been to Vermont and agree that it is one of the most beautiful states, Teresa. It think one of the most spectacular things that the Northeastern states has to offer (and especially the New England area) is the Fall foliage. Living in this area of the country, I think we tend to take this for granted and yet, people come from miles away to see it.