The Spanish, under Ponce de Leon, made the local natives (called the Tainos) work for them as slaves . They forced the Tainos to farm the land and mine for gold. Between the harsh treatment of the Spanish soldiers and new diseases (like smallpox) brought by the settlers, at least 90% of the Tainos died.
When did Ponce de Leon encounter Native Americans?
AD 1521: Calusas attack and kill Ponce de León
The Spanish explorer Ponce de León, who named Florida after visiting there in 1513 , is attacked by the indigenous Calusas of the region when he returns to attempt to settle there. He dies from his wounds.
What did Juan Ponce de Leon do?
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. In 1508–09 he explored and settled Puerto Rico, founding the colony’s oldest settlement, Caparra, near what is now San Juan. He is also credited with being the first European to reach Florida (1513) .
Did Ponce de Leon encounter Native Americans?
Ponce de Leon twice encountered indigenous people on the east coast , where he likely took captives to serve as guides and to get information, Milanich said. By some estimates, Florida was home to as many as 300,000 Natives. ... The Calusa proved to be a match for the Spaniards, Milanich said.
Who first landed in Florida?
Written records about life in Florida began with the arrival of the Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce de León in 1513. Sometime between April 2 and April 8, Ponce de León waded ashore on the northeast coast of Florida, possibly near present-day St. Augustine.
Who found the fountain of youth?
The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is legendary, known as the place where Ponce De Leon discovered the healing waters that magically maintain your youthful appearance. Drink from the magical spring’s waters, plus explore many exhibits and historical attractions at the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Does the fountain of youth really exist?
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
The city of St. Augustine, Florida, is home to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a tribute to the spot where Ponce de León was supposed to have landed according to promotional literature, although there is no historical or archaeological evidence to support the claim .
What is an interesting fact about Juan Ponce de Leon?
Interesting Juan Ponce de Leon Facts: Juan Ponce de Leon is believed to be the first European to set foot on Florida’s land . When Christopher Columbus returned to Spain following his second voyage to the New World, Juan Ponce de Leon stayed behind. He became the governor of Higuey, a Dominican province.
Why was Leon asked to return to his discovered island?
Ponce de León named the peninsula he believed to be an island “La Florida” because his discovery came during the time of the Easter feast , or Pascua Florida. In 1521, he returned to Florida in an effort to establish a Spanish colony.
How long was Florida A Spanish colony?
Florida was under colonial rule by Spain from the 16th century to the 19th century , and briefly by Great Britain during the 18th century (1763–1783) before becoming a territory of the United States in 1821.
Was Florida ever underwater?
Throughout most of its history, Florida has been under water . ... As glaciers of ice in the north expanded and melted, the Florida peninsula emerged and submerged. When the sea level was lowest, the land area of Florida was much larger than it is now. The sea level was as much as 100 feet lower than at present.
Who owned Florida in 1776?
At the start of the American Revolution in 1776, East Florida and West Florida were the only two southern colonies that remained loyal to King George III .
How did Spain lose Florida?
France sold Louisiana to the United States in 1803. ... By the terms of the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819, Spanish Florida ceased to exist in 1821, when control of the territory was officially transferred to the United States .
Can you drink water from the Fountain of Youth?
Visitors can drink from its rumored restorative waters at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in St. Augustine. While your drink is on the house, you will need to buy a ticket to the park. You can enter the park and take a sip of youth for just $18.
What happens if you drink from the Fountain of Youth?
Augustine, Florida — where some believe Ponce de León came ashore — is the home of the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park. Visitors to the park regularly drink the water that flows from the natural spring located there , but there is no evidence that it has any restorative effects.
