History of Tampa, FL
The history of Tampa Florida dates back when Spanish settlers explored the area around the 1520s. The Spanish explorers saw Tocobaga Indian settlements on the north and south shore. Hernando de Soto and the other conquerors were unsuccessful in finding bars of gold and decided to leave the place. Unfortunately, the Spanish carried diseases which the Indians were not immune.
Early History
Seminole Indians started to settle in the north and central Florida midway of the 1700s. During this period, Cuban fishermen camped on Tampa Bay in what is presently known as Hyde's Park in downtown Tampa, Florida.
In the year 1821, the United States captured Florida from Spain. While the 1823 Treaty of Moultrie Creek expanded Indian reservation in the central and south Florida. Not long after this, forts and trading centers were built by the U.S.
The Seminole Wars were a lonely time for Tampa. In 1845, the modern history of Tampa began when Florida turn into the 27th state. After some years, Tampa integrated as the Village of Tampa.
In the year 1821, the United States captured Florida from Spain. While the 1823 Treaty of Moultrie Creek expanded Indian reservation in the central and south Florida. Not long after this, forts and trading centers were built by the U.S.
The Seminole Wars were a lonely time for Tampa. In 1845, the modern history of Tampa began when Florida turn into the 27th state. After some years, Tampa integrated as the Village of Tampa.
Civil War
Florida was a Confederate State in the time of the U.S. Civil War. The history of Tampa is comprised of a series of minor battles throughout the Civil War. The Civil War left Tampa in ruins. The Reconstruction era was not an easy time for Tampa. One of the major reasons for this is the state of roads. It was difficult to go to and fro of the state.
Yellow fever epidemics infested Tampa throughout the 1860s and 1870s. People only knew very little information about the disease. A lot of the settlers resorted to leaving the place due to fear of dying of the illness.
Yellow fever epidemics infested Tampa throughout the 1860s and 1870s. People only knew very little information about the disease. A lot of the settlers resorted to leaving the place due to fear of dying of the illness.
Important Events in Tampa's History
- Discovery of phosphate. The mineral that is essential for the creation of fertilizers was discovered in the year 1883, in the Bone Valley. Mining and trading of phosphate became a major industry in the area. Up to the present, Tampa remains as a major exporter of phosphate.
- Henry B. Plant's railroad stretched to Tampa. Transportation started to improved when the railroad reached Tampa and its harbor. This development made it easier to transport phosphate and other products in and out of the state. It also marked the development of tourism in the area.
- The boom of the cigar industry. One of the most notable improvements the railroad brought was the flourish of the cigar industry in 1885. Tampa was near Cuba which made it easy to import tobacco by sea. The railroad also made it easy to ship cigar products across the U.S.
Early 21st Century
Tampa finally started to flourish throughout World War II. MacDill Filled became the primary base of the United States Army Air Force, together with other the fields in the north of both Tampa and St. Petersburg.
After World War II, MacDill continued to be a military post. On the other hand, civilians gained control over the other auxiliary fields.
Up to the present time, Tampa remains as Florida's most multicultural cities having a mix of Hispanic and Italian ancestry.
For more information click here.
After World War II, MacDill continued to be a military post. On the other hand, civilians gained control over the other auxiliary fields.
Up to the present time, Tampa remains as Florida's most multicultural cities having a mix of Hispanic and Italian ancestry.
For more information click here.