Florida's Colonial Era: Spain to U.S. (1513–1821)

This section header slide covers Florida History from Spain to the United States (1513–1821), focusing on the first Spanish rule period (1513–1763). It highlights Ponce de León's landing, the founding of St. Augustine, and the establishment of missions, marked as section 01.

Florida History: From Spain to the United States (1513–1821)

01

FIRST SPANISH RULE (1513–1763)

From Ponce de León's landing to St. Augustine's founding and missions.

St. Augustine faced English and pirate attacks, including Drake in 1586 and Carolina's destruction of North Florida missions in 1702–1704. Native American refugees formed Seminole culture, while Fort Mose (1693) offered freedom to escaped slaves and Fort Matanzas (1742) provided defense.

STRUGGLES AND CHANGES UNDER SPAIN

• English/pirate attacks on St. Augustine (Drake 1586)
• 1702–1704: Carolina destroyed North Florida missions
• Refugees/Native Americans formed Seminole culture
• Fort Mose (1693) offered freedom to escaped slaves
• Fort Matanzas built 1742 for defense

In 1763, Spain traded Florida to Britain for Havana, dividing it into East and West Florida, where Britain built King's Road to Georgia, established New Smyrna settlement, and introduced English law, jury trials, and county governments. Florida remained Loyalist during the American Revolution.

BRITISH RULE (1763–1783)

• 1763: Spain traded Florida to Britain for Havana.
• Divided into East and West Florida.
• Built King’s Road to Georgia; New Smyrna settlement.
• Introduced English law, jury trials, county governments.
• Remained Loyalist during American Revolution.

Source: Florida History: From Spain to the United States (1513–1821)

Spain regained Florida after 1783 with few settlers returning, while Seminoles and escaped slaves settled the frontiers. Short-lived Florida Republics emerged in 1810–1812, followed by the First Seminole War (1817–1818) led by Andrew Jackson, culminating in the 1819 Adams–Onís Treaty that ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1821.

SECOND SPANISH RULE & TRANSFER TO U.S. (1783–1821)

• Spain regained Florida; few settlers returned.
• Seminoles and escaped slaves settled frontiers.
• 1810–1812: Short-lived West/East Florida Republics.
• 1817–1818: First Seminole War (Andrew Jackson).
• 1819: Adams–Onís Treaty ceded Florida to U.S. (1821).