Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The three Seminole Wars pit the United States against the Seminoles and allies, including es-
caped slaves. Although most Seminoles are exiled, small bands remain in the Everglades.
1823
Tallahassee is established as Florida's territorial capital because it's halfway between Pensacola
and St Augustine. Later attempts to move the state capital fail.
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 admission is bal-
anced by that of Iowa, a free state.
1861
Voting 62 to seven, Florida secedes from the US and raises its fifth flag, that of the Confederacy.
Florida's farms and cattle provide vital Confederate supplies during the ensuing Civil War.
1889
Key West becomes the largest, most populous city in Florida largely due to the wrecking industry
- salvaging cargo from ships that sink in her treacherous surrounding waters.
1894-5
The Great Freeze ruins citrus crops across the agricultural belt in Central Florida. Settlers begin
moving to South Florida seeking warmer climes and longer growing seasons.
1912
'Flagler's Folly,' Henry Flagler's 128-mile overseas railroad connecting the Florida Keys, reaches
Key West. It's hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' but is destroyed by a 1935 hurricane.
