Florida has a unique history. America’s Sunshine State has been a Spanish and English colony, a pivotal land for Native Americans, and ultimately, the 27th U.S. state. Every town and city in Florida has a unique legacy, but not all cities and towns have the same historical significance.
Below, we’ll break down some of Florida’s picturesque towns and cities with interesting histories that visitors will surely want to learn more about.
Milton
Milton is a small city in northwest Florida, home to only 10,000 residents. It is a peaceful and quaint town along the Blackwater River with plenty of parks by the water and a compelling history.
Milton is one of the oldest towns in Florida. It was incorporated in 1844 before Florida had even become a state. The town was an important industrial hub in its early days before being burned down by the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Today, it is the home of the historic Imogene Theater and the West Florida Railroad Museum.
Pensacola
Pensacola is a mid-sized city on the western edge of the Florida Panhandle. This is a popular city among tourists for scenic beaches, a historic town center, and excellent historical tours that detail the city’s unique history.
Pensacola is known as the City of Five Flags because it has been held by France, Spain, Great Britian, the Confederate States, and the United States. This city can trace its history back to the mid-16th century, and there are still remnants of the city’s history throughout.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a city on Florida’s northeastern coast. This city is known for its sandy beaches and protected wildlife areas, where some of Florida’s most beautiful creatures can be found. It is also recognized for its still-standing Spanish colonial architecture.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the United States. The city is more than 450 years old and continues to thrive today. The best-known historical attraction in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress. This beautiful city is the perfect place for any history buff.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is a city on the northern end of the Atlantic coast. It is a moderately-sized city, home to just over 12,000, but it has a significant scenic appeal, with beautiful beaches and a vibrant downtown community. It is also a historic hotspot.
Fernandina Beach was originally occupied by the Timucua Native American people, but it underwent a massive period of change when the Europeans colonized the area. The area changed hands an incredible eight times, being taken over by France, Spain, Mexico, the Confederate States, and more. The Amelia Island Museum of History covers this city’s incredible past.
Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe is a Gulf Coast community located along the waters of Saint Joseph Bay. This sun-soaked, beachy area of Florida is ideal for a winter getaway. Port St. Joe is a small town of 3,000 but receives many visitors to enjoy the town’s excellent fishing and quaint feel.
Port St. Joe’s historic downtown is a popular gathering place, with a picturesque look and excellent shops and restaurants. This town was formerly an industrial hub, serving as a mill town and a salt hub during the Civil War. It has reinvented itself as a beach destination with an interesting past.
