Territorial Times

Juan Ponce de León and his expedition were the first documented Europeans in Florida. He landed near present-day St. Augustine. Ponce de León named the land “Florida” as the season was “Pascua Florida” (Flowery Easter).

Research indicates Spain had no true national flag in 1513 when Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida shores, but the Castle and Lion flag of the King was recognized as the country’s flag.

Jean Ribault, France, explores northeast Florida.

The Burgundian saltire, or Cross of Burgundy, represented Spanish rule in Florida from 1565 to 1763. The red cross symbolized the rough branches of the trees on which Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Burgundy, was crucified. The flag was introduced into Spain by Philip I, Duke of Burgundy, and was later established as one of the country’s banners by his son Charles I in 1516.

Establishment of St. Augustine, first permanent European settlement in North America, located within Timucua territory. Spanish expel the French.

The British flag’s major element was the Red Cross of St. George, England’s patron saint. In combination with the white Scottish Cross of St. Andrew, it formed the Union flag. This flag flew over Florida from 1763 until 1784.

French and Indian (Seven Years War) results in the transfer of Florida from Spain to England. Division of Florida into East and West Florida. The British colonists expand Florida agriculture, especially cotton, rice, and indigo. St. Augustine remains the capital of East Florida, with Pensacola the capital of West Florida. James Grant is appointed Governor of British Florida.

Native peoples from Georgia and Alabama, many of them members of the Creek peoples, move into Florida. They become known as the Seminoles from the Spanish word cimarron, meaning “outsiders” or “runaways.”

American Revolution begins. Florida remained loyal to England. Its previously sparse population swelled overnight as Tories escaped to Florida, mostly settling in St. Augustine.

Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution.  Spain reoccupies Florida.

Charles III created this Spanish national flag in 1785. It flew over Florida until the United States took official possession of the territory in 1821.

Andrew Jackson invades Florida in pursuit of Seminole Indians. Start of the First Seminole War.

Florida transferred to the United States under the Adams–Onís treaty.

The flag of the United States had twenty-three stars when the Treaty with Spain, ceding Florida, was ratified and proclaimed on February 22, 1821.

Second Seminole War ended by U.S. Government decision

The Act establishing statehood for Florida approved on March 3, 1845 by the second session of the 28th Congress.

Upon admission Florida as the twenty-seventh state on March 3, 1845. By law, new stars were added to the national flag on the fourth of July following the admission of each new state, so a twenty-seventh star was added for Florida on July 4, 1845.