Orlando Guide - CAT FLORIDA HISTORY
Florida Timeline: from 1861
We are now into part 3 of our Florida history timeline and we will start at the time of The American Civil War
1861 The American Civil War lead to the secession of Florida for the Union and they joined with other southern States to form The Confederate States of America.
1865 ...
Viewed 5455 times
A Florida Timeline: the middle years.
So now we come to the second part of the history of Florida and here we shall cover the time from Ponce De Leon landing in 1513 to 1858 when the Seminole wars resulted in the forcing out of Florida most of the Native American population.
1513 was a very important year in the history of F...
Viewed 4076 times
A Florida Timeline: the early years.
If we are attempting a timeline of the history of Florida we have to begin 12000 years ago (yes, really) This is the time when what is now known as the Native American inhabited this lovely State.
12000 B. C. It is believed that this was around the time that Florida was first inhabi...
Viewed 5967 times
Allen Broussard: his contribution to Florida and it's conservation.
Allen Broussard had a keen interest in conservancy and animas from a very young age. He lived in the area now known as Forever Florida which is a non profit organisation which looks after the natural wilderness of this area in
At the age of 19, Allen contracted Non Hodgkinsons Lymphoma. ...
Viewed 4806 times
Irlo Bronson: who was he?
I am sure most of you will have travelled the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and wondered who Irlo was; well I decided to find out and now I can tell you.
Irlo was born in 1900 to George and Spicey (yes, really) Bronson who were a well respected family of cattle ranchers in Kissimmee.
<...
Viewed 8288 times
Rotonda West - In the Beginning
Rotonda West ……. . In The Beginning
How did this unique area begin and become the residential area it is of today.
Looking into the history of Florida it was in 1821 the Spanish handed Florida to the then President of the United States, James Munroe.
The Spanish su...
Viewed 6654 times
Hialeah to Gainseville: what's in a name?
And here are some more of the origin of Florida place names
Lets start with Hialeah in Hillsborough County. Again this has its origins in Muskogee and it translates thus; haiyakpo is a prairie and hili means pretty so there we are, pretty prairie.
Fernandina Beach in Nassau Co...
Viewed 4321 times
From Miami to Key West: what's in a name?
So here are some more Floridian place names and their meanings.
MIAMI
Most of us have been to Miami at some point. And certainly in the early days you would have flown through Miami airport before you travelled on to Orlando. So what does it mean?
Well the Miami ar...
Viewed 5042 times
From Orlando to Tampa: what's in a name?
Have you ever wondered how the cities in Florida got their names? Well I have, and started researching this and decided to share this fascinating info with you all.
Let us start with the cities that you are likely to have flown into
Orlando
There is not a cut and dr...
Viewed 4195 times
From Clearwater to Homossassas: what's in a name?
Well, back again with some more place name origins.
CLEARWATER
Clearwater is a lovely seaside town on The Gulf of Mexico. originally called Clearwater Harbor it was later shortened to Clearwater. They chose the name beacause of the crystal clear water that buubbles up from the...
Viewed 4545 times
Hillsborough to High Springs: what's in a name?
Hillsborough River
Viewed 4145 times
Hillsborough River was formerly known as Locktsapopka by the Native American. In Muskogee, Papka is a place where you would eat and Lokchia means acorns. So thus Locktsapopka ia place where you would eat acorns. It is in Hillsborough County.
BELLE GLADE
Especially for history buffs!
The Orange County Regional History Center is situated in East Central Boulevard in Orlando.
This museum started its' life as a singe kitchen exhibit for the Central Florida Centenniel celebration which took place in 1942. It was held in a single room in the old courthouse at the intersec...
Viewed 4349 times
Historic Sanford
You possibly think of Sanford as that airport that you pass through on your way in and out of Florida.
However it is a charming and historic City bordering on Lake Monroe and close to St Johns River. There are a host of historic buildings in the tree lined streets and it also has The Cen...
Viewed 4825 times
The history of Downtown Disney.
To trace the history of Downtown Disney we need to go back 36 years (are you surprised to hear that? ) This was when the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village opened.
Two years later this was renamed as Walt Disney World Village. As we shall find out later this was not to be the only na...
Viewed 6121 times
Pinewood Estates.
Pinewood Estates is an early 1930s mansion built for the steel magnate Austin Buck. At that time it was known as El Retiro and was a winter home.
This Mediterranean revival style home is 12900 square feet with 20 rooms and its own stunning gardens. Until around 40 years ago, this house h...
Viewed 4971 times
The State Nicknames – Part 17 North Carolina
Our fascination with the State Number Plates in the USA has continued each time we visit Florida. It is interesting to see the different plates which offer a snapshot of each state.
North Carolina
This magnificent state has wonderful mountains and hills, together with hundreds of ri...
Viewed 4958 times
The State Nicknames Part 16 – New York
Next time you are in Florida, take a look at the state license plates on cars. They are fascinating, and each one highlights aspects of the states which are important from a historical, political, geographical or economic perspective.
New York State
What a diverse and beautiful stat...
Viewed 5672 times
Greater Orlando.....a history.
During the time of the Seminole Wars, the United States Army built Fort Gatlin on what would eventually become Orlando.
This was in 1838 and its position was somewhat south of Orlando City.
A family called Jernigan moved into the area around the fort and they named the area J...
Viewed 5501 times
M.C.O........a history.
Those of us who have visited Orlando for many decades can well remember the times when you had to fly into Miami and make the four plus hours slog up to the theme park area (usually with over tired, fractious children)
It was usch a blessing to be able to fly into an airport that was righ...
Viewed 5597 times
Weeki Wachee...from boom to bust.
Weeki Wachee Springs was named by the Native Americans known as the Seminoles. It means winding river.
No wonder the Seminoles chose to settle here with its endless oportunities to fish and hunt. They lived happily here until the coming of the plundering Europeans.
By the tim...
Viewed 5845 times
Gatorland from the forties to the present day.
Gatorland was a long time from inception in Frank Godwins back garden to the beginnings of the park as we know it today but by 1962 Frank had travelled the world in search of an exotic addition to his park and he came back with some zebras.
13 years later in went the boardwalk which made...
Viewed 13310 times
Silver Springs...........a history.
Silver Springs had a long and chequered history well before the advent of this charming theme park.
The Native Americans known as The Timucans were resident here in the early 16th century and they survived a challenge from our old friend Hernando de Soto.
Over the n...
Viewed 5378 times
Orange County History Centre
The 2 names that have been given to this part of the State reflect visitors’ impression and the commodity that gave it the initial wealth. Originally called Mosquito County -early settlers named it because of the mosquitoes in the area Mosquito County was created in 1824.
Early settlers ar...
Viewed 5812 times
Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum.
The county of Osceola has a rich and varied history. Named after the Seminole Indian War hero- it was founded in 1887 and originally reached as far down as Lake Okeechobee until 1917 when Okeechobee County was formed.
Long before a certain Mr Disney arrived to make the area known world wid...
Viewed 5489 times
“Florida in the Civil War” – an Exhibition at the History Center, Orlando.
I enjoy history, and so the History Center in Orlando is a place I like to visit whenever I have time. Florida actually has quite a history as, not only does it have a long history of Native American Indians, but Florida also played an important role in the Civil War.
Florida actually jo...
Viewed 5314 times
The Koreshan State Historic Site - Estero Florida
When we visited Florida last August we decided to 2 centre our holiday by spending a few days close to the West coast in a place called Bonita Springs and then following this with 2 weeks in Orlando. As part of our plan we researched the Bonita Springs area using the internet and found a nearby Stat...
Viewed 5689 times
Floridas National Scenic Trail
If you are like me, you love The Parks but also like to get off and see the ' Real Florida' from time to time.
If you like walking then you should think about looking into Florida' s National Scenic Trails.
The inspiration came from a Miami resident who visited the famous App...
Viewed 5302 times
The Cracker people of Florida.
When you visit Florida, you are sure to wonder about Cracker homes and Cracker people mentioned.
Well, what are they?
Cracker people were the true pioneers of Florida, self reliant and resourceful. They spoke in a patois of Old English, some local vernacular and some invented...
Viewed 6188 times
The State Nicknames Part 15 – New Mexico
Our fascination with the state number plates developed early during our first visit to Florida, when our children first noticed that cars had different plates according to their state of origin. Through this we have come to learn a little more about this diverse country and its individual states, an...
Viewed 4696 times
The State Nicknames- Part 12
Each of the states of America has a nickname which reflects its history, geography, industries and people. These nicknames can be found on car license plates, and we have found it fascinating to look out for these as we drive round the Orlando area.
Nevada
Named after the mountain ...
Viewed 5053 times
The State Nicknames – Part 14
Each of the 50 states of the USA has a nickname, and this can be found on the license plates on each and every car. It is fascinating to collect the different nicknames and we have seen all but two of the 50 since we started some 12 years ago.
New Jersey
Like so many US State...
Viewed 5301 times
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Blountstown in Calhoun County is home to the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement which can best be described as a living history museum built to preserve the pioneer lifestyle and create a legacy for future generations to come.
Willard and Linda Smith were the original founders and, as a couple w...
Viewed 4644 times
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
I am sure some of you will be familiar with the George Gershwin song Swanee River made famous by Al Jolson back in the 1930s , but are you aware that the lyrics refer to Florida’s very own Suwannee River?
Rising in Fargo, Georgia and discharging into the Gulf of Mexico the river flows th...
Viewed 5318 times
History of Fort de Soto Park
In 1849, Robert E. Lee (the famous American Civil War commander) along with three other US Army Engineers surveyed the area and recommended Mullet and Egmont Keys become fortified. Both keys could only be reached by boat, since they were islands off the mainland. During the civil war Union troops we...
Viewed 0 times
The State Nicknames Part 4
In the USA, each state has a different license plate, and on this is a state motto or nickname. They provide a fascinating insight into the state’s history, people or animals. Here are some more of these state nicknames, for Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho and Illinois.
Florida
It com...
Viewed 6291 times
Clearwater: A History.
Many of you will take a day trip to Clearwater during your time in the Orlando area and I thought I would give you a potted history of this lovely Gulf Coast city.
Until 1885, Clearwater was known as Clear Water Harbor; no doubt this was inspired by the springs that then tipped into the bay....
Viewed 5404 times
St Petersburg: A History
In the 19th century, a gentleman called General John Williams acquired 2500 acres of land in the south east part of (what we now know as) Pinellas County. John had a vision to create a beautiful place to live and play with wide sunny streets to add to its natural attractions.
In 1888 Peter D...
Viewed 5556 times
The Appalachians in Florida
The Appalachian Indian were the Native Americans who lived in an area that went from the Georgia state line to the Gulf of Mexico. At one time there was as many as 50000 Appalachians living in smallish village groups. What was considered to be a large village would only comprise around 100 houses an...
Viewed 5935 times
Chalet Suzanne....a history
If you have visited Florida then you have probably heard of Chalet Suzanne and may have even visited this enchanting place. The history of this charming place merits an article of its own.
Chalet Suzanne was founded by Carl and Bertha Hinshaw who moved to the area in order to be closer to Be...
Viewed 5936 times
The Tequesta people of Florida
The Tequesta Indians lived in the South East corner Florida in the Miami Dade and Florida Keys areas. There were only 800 of this tribe which may go towards how they were pushed from pillar to post in the latter part of their history.
They had allies in the neighbouring Jeagas but were in co...
Viewed 10613 times
Calusa Indians
The Native Americans known as the Calusa Indians inhabited the south west coast of Florida. The word Calusa means fierce people and they certainly lived up to their name. They were pro active in repelling other Indian tribes. In the days that the Spanish exploreres first arrived they gave them short...
Viewed 6081 times
Florida Chickees
Chickees were homes built by the Seminole Indians Chickee was the Seminole name for home. These simple homes were created to be built fast when the Seminoles were fleeing from the U. S. troops. They were built from easily availble materials and could be erected quickly.
Chickees were built f...
Viewed 5788 times
The Creek Indian of Florida
The Creek Indians were the Native Americans who were so named by the first European settlers. Originally they were called Istrichata but after the first white settlers arrived, they re named themselves Muskogee.
They lived in homes arranged around the village square. They built there homes f...
Viewed 5263 times
The Seminole Indians of Florida
The Native Americans known as the Seminole Indians are an amalgamation of the Hitchitis, Oconees, Creeks and Micosukees. The coming together of these once separate tribes happend in the 18th century. It is good to note that some of the slaves escaped their masters and joined the Seminoles in time. <...
Viewed 5302 times
The Jeagas in Florida.
The Jeaga Indian tribe lived on what is now known as Palm Beach County. You may also have heard them called geiga, xega or jobe Unlike their peace loving neighbours the Tequesta, the Jeagans were war like aggresive and frightening. At one point their number seems to have numbered around 2000 souls. ...
Viewed 6960 times
Tamiami Trail
The Tamiami Trail is part of the U. S. 41 that goes from Miami to Michigan by way of Georgia, Tennesse, Indiana, Illinois. Wisconsin and Michigan.
You may be surprised to know that the Tamiami Trail was completed almost a quarter of a century ago. This project cost eight million dollars and ...
Viewed 5696 times
Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine
The Shrine dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Universe was built as a place of worship for the 5 million Catholic tourists who come to Orlando annually. The Shrine provides the opportunity for worship, teaching and witness.
This Central Florida tourist ministry began years ago with folding chai...
Viewed 6976 times
T.H.Stone Memorial Park
The T. H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park is is situated in Port St Joe on Cap San Blas Rd.
This area was once occupied by those Native Americans known as The Weedon Culture. This would have been from around 5000 to 2000 A. D. so they were one of the earliest occupants of what ...
Viewed 5004 times
The Ais people of Florida
The Ais (or Ay) Indians lived on the Atlantic Coast of Florida from Cape Canaveral to Port Lucie. They were later also known as Indians of the Coast or Indian de la Costa. It is thought that this dominant tribe lived in the area from aroung 2000 years B. C.
The Ais did not grow crops but wer...
Viewed 13814 times
Timucuans
The Native Americans were the most important part of Floridas history and here is a little about the Timucuan Indians who lived from approximately 3000 years ago to as recently as the 18th century.
They were settled mainly in the northern areas of Florida and lived mainly in forests by water...
Viewed 5912 times
Choctaw people
The Florida Choctaw Indian was the Native American who lived in the north west area of Florida (now known as the pan handle) The name derives from one of their most respected chiefs who was called Chatha and somehow this became Choctaw.
Choctaw homes were made of plaster and river cane and t...
Viewed 5840 times
T H Stone Memorial Park
The T. H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park is istuated in Port St Joe on Cap San Blas Rd.
This area was once occupied by those Native Americans known as The Weedon Culture. This would have been from around 5000 to 2000 A. D. so they were one of the earliest Native Americans to l...
Viewed 5044 times
A walking tour of Historic Orlando
Downtown Historic Orlando is 8 blocks of buildings that tell the commercial and local government story of this City. The buildings were constructed between the 1880s and the 1940s
This area has been designated a Historic area which has served to preserve this place against the encroaching sky...
Viewed 5529 times
Miccosukee people of Florida
Miccosukee people were originally part of the Muskogee tribe of Native Americans. They came to Florida by way of Tennesse, then the Carolinas and finally settled in Florida in the eighteenth century.
It is thought that their name was bestowed on them by the early Spanish exploreres who calle...
Viewed 5349 times
The State Nicknames Part 1
There are 50 states in the USA, and most of them have a nickname, which reflects the various characteristics of that state. If you look at licence plates on cars as you travel around the Orlando area, or further afield in Florida, you will see many plates which display these nicknames. We always hav...
Viewed 6014 times