FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-092

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 3, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps lays claim to “Spanish Florida”

THE LAND OF FLOWERS

On June 3, 1539, conquistador Hernando de Soto claimed Florida for Spain.   De Soto and his nine ships carrying just over 600 men landed in the Tampa Bay area. Searching for gold and the fabled “seven cities”, de Soto kept his explorations to the southeastern area of the United States.  He is the first European who documented crossing the Mississippi River.

The Spanish claim to Florida led to the establishment of the earliest European settlement in North America – St. Augustine.  With control in the Florida area, the Spanish were able to defend an important navigation route for ships to return from Central and South America to Europe. 

While Spanish Florida, or La Florida as it was called at the time, had somewhat undefined boundaries, Spain was able to keep control of the region while the French and British fought over other areas to the north. 

Although Florida was hoped to be a source of gold and other riches, the swamplands and lack of agriculturally sound ground sent most Europeans in other directions for more permanent settlements.

Presented here is a map of Florida by Tanner issued in 1839.  Not pictured are the newer cities of Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando among others.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.