Africans in Colonial Florida

Spanish settlers bring first slaves

Jan 1, 1501

In 1501 Spanish settlers brought the first African slaves to the New World

Juan Ponce de Leon exploration of La Florida

Mar 4, 1513

On March 4, 1513 free africans Juan Garrido and Juan Gonzalez de Leon accompanied Juan Ponce de Leon in his exploration of La Florida

First enslaved Africans to North America

Jul 17, 1526

In mid July the first enslaved Africans were brought to North American by Lucas Vazquez de Allyon expedition; established settlement of San Miguel de Gualdape in present-day Georgia; this is the first European settlement in the geographic United States.

Panfilo Narvaez attempt to settle

Mar 4, 1528

Panfilo Narvaez attempts to settle near what is now the present day Tampa Bay with 600 people, including slaves. Lack of supplies and hurricans doom venture.

Arrival into Mexico and coast of Pacific Ocean

Jan 1, 1536

Four survivors of the doomed Tampa Bay settlement end up in Mexico and the coast of the Pacific Ocean after walking through wilderness for eight years. Estevanico, an African slave, ensures their survival by learning to communicate with natives along the way

Hernando de Soto explores Florida

May 18, 1539

Hernando de Soto explores Florida and much of the present-day southeastern United States with the aid of free and enslaved Africans.

Establishment of Saint Augustine

Aug 28, 1565

Saint Augustine, the oldest permanent city in the USA, established by Spain. It is home to over 600 people, including 50 African slaves. Some of these slaves immediately escape into the surrounding wilderness.