Earlier this year, the state launched Viva Florida, a comprehensive website and 64-page Spanish Colonial Trail Guide. These both feature historical sites dating back to 1513, when the first Europeans stepped foot on what would become United States land.

Although I am a Florida native, I was awed at the extent of our history after reading this guide. Florida is home to the oldest European footprints in North America, though they're relatively unknown.

The Spanish established the first schools and hospitals, as well as many forts, villages and missions. They also introduced citrus fruit, cattle and horses to our continent, and these remain important industries for us even today.
 
Viva Florida illustrates this rich history, and both the trail guide and interactive website are bilingual. There are details about places such as Mission San Luís, a 17th century village that archaeologists are recreating. This well-preserved site is spectacular, and you can read more about it here.

Pensacola recently celebrated the 450th anniversary of the first expedition to touch its shores. Of course, there's the official "oldest continuously occupied U.S. city," which is St. Augustine (not Jamestown or Plymouth, as popularly thought.) Both cities are well-represented in historic charm and ambiance.
 
Farther south, the Spanish plate fleet wrecks have given divers centuries of diversion and some tenacious hunters, Mel Fisher for one, found real treasure. Eye-popping amounts of gold and silver are on display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West.

Many of the historic sites are in state or national parks. Visitors have opportunities to participate in free ranger talks and see interpretive guides in period uniforms. Seeing them is informative and it's also inexpensive. My impression is that the rangers are incredibly knowledgeable sources for details that some historians have overlooked. (There are interesting gift shops, too... for those of us who need a daily shopping fix.)

Fall is the perfect time to go check out our history! See you at the park!