DISCOVERING FLORIDA!
We all know the story about Ponce de Leon, his search for the Fountain of Youth and his connection with St. Augustine. But here’s a little background information I’d like to share:
Although his parents are never identified in history, we do know that Juan Ponce De Leon (1474-1521) was born into an influential and distinguished extended family from Santervas de Campos in the northern part of Spain. As a boy he served as a messenger for the Royal Court. In his twenties’s he became an experienced soldier for the Spanish Empire. Once his military service was over, Ponce de Leon was still seeking opportunity and adventure. In September 1493, some 1200 sailors, colonists and soldiers joined Christopher Columbus for his second voyage to the New World. The young conquistador Ponce de Leon was a member of this expedition, one of 200 considered “gentleman volunteers.”
By the end of 1493, the sailors had reached the Caribbean on their way to their destination of Hispaniola, which is now the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In their travels they visited the coast of a large island the native Tainos called Boriquen, meaning “the great land of the valiant and noble Lord” or “land of the great lords”. Columbus chose to first name the land Island of San Juan Bautista, however, it eventually came to be known as Puerto Rico or “Rich Port”. This was Ponce de Leon’s first experience with the island that was to play a key role in his life.
Over the next several years and while in Hispaniola, Ponce de Leon made quite a name for himself. In 1502, when a small Spanish garrison was overrun by the Tainos in Higüey on the eastern side of the island (Dominican Republic), Ponce de Leon was assigned a major role in ending this rebellion. Impressed by his performance Ovando, the governor of Hispaniola, appointed him as provincial governor of the new province of Higüey, plus provided him a substantial land grant along with sufficient laborers to farm his new estate. Ponce de Leon established the new town of Salvaleón in 1505.
Because of his position, Ponce de Leon was intrigued by and often visited Puerto Rico. Stories of fertile ground, swift rivers and the temptation of gold filled his adventurous mind. He received permission to explore the island in 1508. With one ship and 50 men, he led his expedition into San Juan Bay. About two miles from the Bay he created the first settlement in Puerto Rico called Caparra. Again, pleased with his performance, Ovando appointed Ponce de Leon as governor of Puerto Rico in 1509.
After years of political controversy, and a new governor taking control of Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon was ready once again for a new quest. In 1512, a royal contract from the King of Spain was dispatched outlining his rights and authorities to search for “the Islands of Benimy” and granted Ponce de Leon the position of governor over any islands he discovered.
In March 1513, Ponce de Leon departed Puerto Rico with three sailing ships, the Santiago, San Cristobal and the Santa Maria de la Consolacion, plus a crew of two hundred. They sailed along the Bahamas and outer islands and then into the vast open water. The islands of Benimy (Bimini) supposedly held natural treasures (gold) and also the elusive Fountain of Youth!
However, on April 2, 1513, the explorers sighted what they thought to be just another island. The next day coming ashore, Ponce de Leon claimed the land for Spain and named it La Florida. Some say it was due to the lush landscape he found, but also because it was the Easter season which the Spaniards called Pascua Florida or “Festival of Flowers”.
After exploring the area, the explorers returned to Puerto Rico and then back to Spain, where Ponce de Leon was named military governor of Florida and given permission to return to colonize the region.
While there are varying opinions, Saint Augustine is described in history as the site Ponce de Leon first stepped foot on the sandy shores of what is now our state and our country in 1513, some 107 years before the Pilgrims landed.
Today, St. Augustine on Florida’s First Coast is a city built on history, courage, knowledge, nature, creativity and discovery. It is a city built by artists, outdoorsmen, entrepreneurs, and forward thinkers. It is a city that symbolizes discovery in so many ways.
No matter how often you visit, there is always something new to discover!
- About the Author
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Linda Schilling Mitchell has spent 99% of her life in Florida. She enjoys warm weather, the sights and sounds of the ocean and anything and everything to do with her family.
After retiring from the Hotel/Hospitality industry, she spent three years writing Florida history articles for a newspaper in south Florida. These articles were the inspiration for her book My Color-Full Florida.
My book “Dear Miss Schneider, Please excuse Walter…” takes place during the Great Depression, and is a tribute to her mother Victoria Schneider who was a third grade teacher during 1937-1940. It gives a personal look at family life during those difficult years.
And Maggie’s World, well that was Maggie’s idea!
My Color-Full Florida
“Dear Miss Schneider, Please excuse Walter…”
Maggie’s World