Florida

A Short History

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, State & Local
Cover of the book Florida by Michael Gannon, University Press of Florida
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Gannon ISBN: 9780813059457
Publisher: University Press of Florida Publication: July 1, 2003
Imprint: University Press of Florida Language: English
Author: Michael Gannon
ISBN: 9780813059457
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Publication: July 1, 2003
Imprint: University Press of Florida
Language: English

As if Ponce de León, who happened on the peninsula in 1513, returned today to demand a quick reckoning ("Tell me what happened after I was there, but leave out the boring parts!"), Michael Gannon recounts the longest recorded history of any state in the nation in twenty-seven brisk, fully illustrated chapters.

From indigenous tribes who lived along spring-fed streams to environmentalists who labor to "Save Our Rivers," from the first conquistadors whose broad black ships astonished the natives to the 123,000 refugees whose unexpected immigration stunned South Floridians in 1980, the story of the state is as rich and distinctive as the story of America.

And it’s older than most people think. As Gannon writes, "By the time the Pilgrims came ashore at Plymouth, St. Augustine was up for urban renewal. It was a town with fort, church, seminary, six-bed hospital, fish market, and about 120 shops and houses. Because La Florida stretched north from the Keys to Newfoundland and west to Texas, St. Augustine could claim to be the capital of much of what is now the United States."

Gannon tells his fast-marching saga in chronological fashion. Starting with the wilderness of the ancient earth, he fills the landscape with Indians, colonists, pioneers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and the panorama of Florida today--"the broad superhighways that wind past horse farms, retirement communities, international airports, launch pads, futuristic attractions, and come to rest, finally, amidst the gleaming towers of Oz-like cities." This revised edition concludes with a look into the twenty-first century, including "in-migration," restoration of the Everglades, education, the work force, and the infamous 2000 presidential election.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

As if Ponce de León, who happened on the peninsula in 1513, returned today to demand a quick reckoning ("Tell me what happened after I was there, but leave out the boring parts!"), Michael Gannon recounts the longest recorded history of any state in the nation in twenty-seven brisk, fully illustrated chapters.

From indigenous tribes who lived along spring-fed streams to environmentalists who labor to "Save Our Rivers," from the first conquistadors whose broad black ships astonished the natives to the 123,000 refugees whose unexpected immigration stunned South Floridians in 1980, the story of the state is as rich and distinctive as the story of America.

And it’s older than most people think. As Gannon writes, "By the time the Pilgrims came ashore at Plymouth, St. Augustine was up for urban renewal. It was a town with fort, church, seminary, six-bed hospital, fish market, and about 120 shops and houses. Because La Florida stretched north from the Keys to Newfoundland and west to Texas, St. Augustine could claim to be the capital of much of what is now the United States."

Gannon tells his fast-marching saga in chronological fashion. Starting with the wilderness of the ancient earth, he fills the landscape with Indians, colonists, pioneers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and the panorama of Florida today--"the broad superhighways that wind past horse farms, retirement communities, international airports, launch pads, futuristic attractions, and come to rest, finally, amidst the gleaming towers of Oz-like cities." This revised edition concludes with a look into the twenty-first century, including "in-migration," restoration of the Everglades, education, the work force, and the infamous 2000 presidential election.

More books from University Press of Florida

Cover of the book The Diabetes Epidemic by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book A History of Florida through New World Maps by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book No Jim Crow Church by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book The Final Mission by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Gladesmen by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Tales from the 5th Street Gym: Ali, the Dundees, and Miami's Golden Age of Boxing by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book A Relation, or Journal, of a Late Expedition, &c. by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Zora Neale Hurston's Final Decade by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Foundational Essays in James Joyce Studies by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Mullet on the Beach by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Harlot House by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Fernando Alonso by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Category 5 by Michael Gannon
Cover of the book Seasons of Real Florida by Michael Gannon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy