Spain's Colonization of Florida

African Slaves Introduced to New World

Nov 15, 1501

Spanish settlers bring African slaves to the New World.

Free Africans Join Exploration of Florida

Mar 27, 1513

Juan Garrido and Juan Gonzalez de Leon are both freed Africans who went along with Ponce De Leon when he went to explore what was known then as La Florida.

First African Slaves introduced to North America by Lucas Vazquez De Allyon

Mar 30, 1526

Lucas Vazquez De Allyon brings the first enslaved Africans to North America, and establishes the SanMiquel de Qualdape settlement in what is now presently known as Georgia.

Panfilo fails to settle near Tampa Bay

Apr 14, 1528

Panfilo Narvaez's attempts to settle in an area near Tampa Bay are thwarted by hurricanes and lack of supplies.

Four Survive from Tampa Bay Settlement

Nov 18, 1536

Four survivors of the Tampa Bay settlement, one of which was Estevanico, an African Slave, went through 8 years of walking through the wilderness. Estevanico was able to talk with natives along the way, ensuring survival, and having them end up in the Gulf Coast.

Hernando de Soto Explores Florida

Sep 8, 1539

Hernando de Soto explores Florida as well as alot of what is presently known as the southeastern part of the United States. He did this with the aid of both free and enslaved Africans.

St. Augustine is Established

Nov 18, 1565

The oldest permanent city in the USA, St. Augustine, is established by Spain. It's six hundred residents included 50 African slaves.

Slaves Converted to Roman Catholicism are set Free

Nov 18, 1683

In Florida, the spanish government grants freedom to all English colony runaway slaves, only if they agree to convert to their Roman Catholicism religion.

1683 - 1738 Slaves from Georgia and Carolina Escape to Florida

Nov 18, 1738

Because the Spanish Government gave freedom to escaped slaves from other colonies if only they convert to Roman Catholicism, hundreds of slaves fled from their original settlements to go to Florida.

Francisco Menendez Establishes Fort Mose

Nov 18, 1738

Francisco Menendez was an escaped slave from the Carolinas who agreed to help defend Florida from the British. In return, Francisco would get his freedom. Fort Mose, the first settlement for free blacks, is then established two miles north of St. Augustine.

The English Capture Fort Mose

Aug 12, 1740

The English invade Fort Mose, however, it gets recaptured by the Spaniards and Africans.

Spain Trades With England

Mar 30, 1763

In exchange for Havana, and Cuba which spain had lost during the seven years war as a result; Spain trades Florida to England. Large rice and indigo plantaions begin to appear along the st.John's river in East Florida.