Walt Disney had once stated that Florida is a place of imagination. Well, he was probably right. With breathtaking sceneries and a rich cultural heritage, Florida is a Pandora’s Box of everything a traveler hearts. It is a place where the Spanish saw manatees and thought it to be mermaids. It is a place where Ponce de Leon saw crystal clear springs and thought it to be the fountain of youth. Florida is a place right from the pages of fairy tales with as much stories of madness and murder as there are stories of a magical kingdom fantasia where your dream comes true.
Visit Florida’s top 10 historical sites where you are sure to drown in the magic of the place. Don’t tell anyone you weren’t warned!
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Spanish Colonies in Pensacola: The Pensacola residents live immersed in history. Located in North West Florida, it is most famous for its rich Hispanic heritage. If you take a walking tour in the colonies, you will still find monuments and artifacts from that era. Make sure not to miss the beautiful cultural exchange programs that are held regularly.
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Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville: Located in the Duval County, this historical landmark provides you an insight into Florida’s part in the civil rights movement. Witness the making of North America’s first African American colonies and the renowned plantation system started by them.
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Mala Compra: Now reduced to just archaeological remains, Mala Compra was once a beautiful beach side plantation that was home to Joseph Hernandez, the man who made Tallahassee as a state capital.
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Gulf Beach: During segregation, it is one of the few beaches that blacks were allowed to roam freely. It was renamed Rosamond Johnson beach after the US Marshall who died in Korea before he was 18. On visiting this extraordinary beach that is proud of its slain hero, you should not miss the beautiful monument erected in his name.
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Koreshan State Historical Sites: Established in 1894, it began with 50 buildings at the time and now even lesser remains. You can visit the remaining Bakery, Art Hall and founder Cyrus Reed Teed’s restored home.
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Fort Caroline: The exact location of this French Fort is probably the biggest mystery in Florida. While there is no exact clue as to where the century year old fort is, there is however a replica of the original one. You can take the hiking road around the place for some breathtaking sceneries and artifacts, who knows, maybe you are the chosen one?
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Elizabeth School in Monticello: Jefferson County’s Elizabeth school is a historical monument for African American students. Visit it during class hours and be marveled by the sheer beauty of knowledge.
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Underground Railroad: Explore the notable stops that slaves from the Civil war took to escape the British colonization. It was not just an escape. It was a pursuit of happiness. You can also find residents eager to tell the story of Black Heritage Trail.
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Delray Beach: It is known as the trail of the Barefoot Mailman Ed Hamilton. While you can take this tour on transport, it is advisable to trek the historical beach the way he did.
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Camp Gordon Johnston: the place seeps dedication, preparation and heroism. It is a memorial for those brave heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom. A truly heart rendering lace in the pages of history.