Florida joined the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845.[1] Florida is celebrated for its abundant sunny days and is known as the "Sunshine State".[2] It’s also referred to as the Orange State, highlighting its major citrus industry.[1] Ranking as the 22nd most extensive state, Florida is the southernmost contiguous state in the U.S.[1] As the 3rd most populous state, it’s a hub of activity and diversity.[3] The state’s population is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant percentage of residents born outside the United States. This diversity is reflected in the state’s rich cultural festivals, cuisine, and arts.[4]
Florida’s economy is robust, with tourism, agriculture, and transportation leading the charge. Florida's economy ranks 4th in size among states and Washington, DC.[4] The state is famous for its oranges and citrus products, which are significant contributors to its economy.[5] Florida’s economy is thriving, with a real GDP growth rate of 6.1% in the 3rd quarter of 2023, which is higher than the US overall.[4] The information sector saw a remarkable growth rate of 25.5% per year in the 3rd quarter of 2023.[4] With over 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, such as Clearwater Beach and the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. the Everglades National Park, and is home to a variety of wildlife. It’s also known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. History buffs can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, or visit St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest European settled city.
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History of Florida
Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer, is credited with the first European discovery of Florida in 1513. He named it “La Pascua Florida” (Festival of Flowers), recognizing the verdant landscape and the timing of his arrival during the Easter season.[6] Early efforts to settle in Florida were opposed by the native population until Pedro Menéndez de Avilés built a wooden fort when he landed in Florida. On September 8, 1565, he officially named the settlement St. Augustine. It became the first permanent city in the United States and is considered the oldest European established city in the continental United States.[6]
British Rule: As a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which ended the Seven Years’ War (also known as the French and Indian War), Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. During this time, Britain attempted to develop the Florida colonies, dividing the territory into East and West Florida.[6] The second Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War, returned Florida back to Spanish control as Britain recognized the independence of the United States.[7]. On September 3, 1783, a second Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the American Revolution and giving the American colonies their independence. It also gave Florida back to the Spanish.
Florida was given to the United States in return for the cancellation of $5 million debt owed by Spain to the United States. and Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and was admitted to the Union as the 27th state on March 3, 1845.[6]
Florida joined the Confederacy during the American Civil War, seceding from the Union in 1861. It was a significant supplier of food and salt to the Confederate states but saw limited combat within its borders.[8]
Post-Civil War, Florida’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, including cattle ranching, farming, and citrus growing.[9]
The Florida land boom of the 1920s marked a period of significant real estate development and population growth.[10] Throughout the 20th century, Florida’s economy diversified and expanded, with tourism, real estate, trade, banking, and becoming a popular retirement destination.[11]
The state’s population surged, and by 2014, Florida surpassed New York to become the third most populous state in the United States.[12]
Demographics of Florida
The demographic distribution of Florida population is as follows:[13]
- White: 67.71%
- Black or African American: 15.74%
- Two or more races: 9.38%
- Other race: 4.06%
- Asian: 2.8%
- Native American: 0.26%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%
Most common surnames in Florida
Researching family history in Florida
The National Archives at Atlanta Serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Florida Memory Projects, the mission of the Florida Memory Program is to provide free online access to select archival resources from the collections of the State Library and Archives of Florida. The State Archives of Florida collects, preserves and makes available historically significant records of the state, as well as private manuscripts, local government records, photographs and other materials that complement the official state records. Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida is a nonprofit manuscript and photographic repository for the legacies of Miami’s black community. The State Library of Florida is a major source of historical records. The Florida History & Genealogy Library Has a significant collection of images, digital and print documents and records. Florida has signifiant collections of historical and genealogical records in local and county repositories.
Florida county list
| Alachua | Baker | Bay | Bradford |
| Brevard | Broward | Calhoun | Charlotte |
| Citrus | Clay | Collier | Columbia |
| DeSoto | Dixie | Duval | Escambia |
| Flagler | Franklin | Gadsden | Gilchrist |
| Glades | Gulf | Hamiton | Hardee |
| Hendry | Hernando | Highlands | Hillsborough |
| Holmes | Indian River | Jackson | Jefferson |
| Lafayette | Lake | Lee | Leon |
| Levy | Liberty | Madison | Manatee |
| Marion | Martin | Miami-Dade | Monroe |
| Nassau | Okaloosa | Okeechobee | Orange |
| Osceola | Palm Beach | Pasco | Pinellas |
| Polk | Putnam | Santa Rosa | Sarasota |
| Seminole | St. Johns | St. Lucie | Sumter |
| Suwannee | Taylor | Union | Volusia |
| Wakulla | Walton | Washington |
See also
Explore more about Florida
MyHeritage.com has 26 collections of genealogically valuable records including Florida, Voter Registrations, Florida Newspapers 1901-2009, Florida, Marriages 1970-1999, Florida, Divorces, 1970-1999, 1945 Florida State Census, and many more records as can be found in the Florida Collections Catalog.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 105 Interesting Facts About Florida
- ↑ Why Is Florida Called the Sunshine State? (with pictures)
- ↑ Florida Is Now Officially the Third Most Populous State
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Economy of Florida Statistics and Data Trends: GDP ranking, unemployment rate, and economic growth | USAFacts
- ↑ Facts About Florida Oranges & Citrus | VISIT FLORIDA
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Colonial Florida – Historical Society of Palm Beach County
- ↑ Florida Frontiers “Florida in the American Revolution”[1]
- ↑ The Role of Florida in the Civil War
- ↑ Florida After the Civil War: Reconstruction, 1865-1876 | West Palm Beach Mayor's Equality Task Force
- ↑ FLORIDA IN THE LAND BOOM OF THE 1920's
- ↑ The Rise of Coastal Retirement Villages in Florida: Embracing the Ocean's Calm - Prosperpinnacle
- ↑ US States - Ranked by Population 2024
- ↑ Florida Population 2024 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)