History buffs, this is the place for you! Find all things Florida history here, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. We explore Indian mounds, historic rivers, the oldest towns in Florida, and so much more. Florida is filled with a number of “firsts” and big names who made important discoveries or inventions here.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Palm Harbor, the Palm Harbor Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past. Housed in the historic Hartley House, this small but engaging museum is packed with stories of pioneers, citrus groves, and even a connection to European nobility. If you love uncovering Florida’s hidden history, this…
When I think of hiking trails, I most often think of beautiful, nature-filled trails where I’m stopping every five feet to take a photograph of a flower, tree, or animal. This is why most people avoid hiking with me. For those of us who love history (almost) as much as nature, historic hiking trails offer…
The Florida State Parks system as we know it today kicked off in 1935, thanks to a federal Depression-era program aiming to put America’s out-of-work youth to good use. Even back then, someone thought, “Hey, maybe we should actually preserve a few things.” And so, the idea of protecting Florida’s historic sites under the state…
The Anclote River winds and twists along 29 miles in Florida’s Pinellas and Pasco counties. Its headwaters are located in Pasco near the Suncoast Expressway, and it empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Tarpon Springs. Along its route, the Anclote coils through and adjacent to a few residential areas, though the majority of its…
Ever wonder why Floridians celebrate the holidays by stringing lights on palm trees and eating citrus instead of roasting chestnuts over an open fire? Blame it on the holiday traditions of early Floridians. From Spanish settlers observing religious feasts to Native Americans honoring the changing seasons in their own ways, Florida’s history is as layered…