Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1763
The mixed Spanish and Native American community in Key West is resettled in
Havana after the island is seized by the British. For years, the island has little real
authority.
1776
The American Revolution begins, but Florida's two colonies don't rebel. They remain
loyal to the British crown, and soon English Tories flood south into Florida to escape
the fighting.
Late 1700s
Elements of the Creek Nation, supplemented by African American runaway slaves
and their descendants, begin settling in South Florida, displacing local Calusa and
Mayaimi Indians.
1818
Andrew Jackson invades Western Florida after violence between settlers and a coali-
tion of Native Americans and African Americans. The First Seminole War essentially
ends when the USA buys Florida from Spain.
1822
Commodore Matthew C Perry lands on Key West and plants the American flag,
claiming the entire Keys island chain for the USA.
1835
In attacks coordinated by Seminole leader Osceola, Seminoles destroy five sugar
plantations on Christmas Day and soon after kill 100 US soldiers marching near
Tampa, launching the Second Seminole War.
1845
Florida is admitted to the Union as the 27th state. Since it is a slave state, its admis-
sion is balanced by that of Iowa, a free state.
