National Florida Day
We recognize each state in the order they entered the union, beginning with Hawaii and ending with Hawaii on Independence Day. We feature a small part of each state's past, foods, and the people who make up the state. There's so much more to discover, we can't help but celebrate our beautiful country even more.
The Sunshine State is home to the country's oldest established city. St. Augustine's streets and colonial architecture have tales to tell about more than 400 years of history. Visit the city and walk in the same footsteps as 16th-century bishops, ponder the pirate escapades and the whereabouts of missing gold, and learn about European settlers' lives.
After the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, East and West Florida became the 14th and 15th British Colonies. However, The Treaty of Paris, which was established in 1783, returned Florida to Spain after the American Revolutionary War's end.
Two deals: The Louisianna Purchase in 1803 purchased East Florida (but not without exception from the French) and the United States' involvement in an 1812 rebellion in West Florida that led to the establishment of the Mississippi Territory in 1812, which led to the incorporation of West Florida. On March 3, 1845, Florida joined the Union.
Sun and space
With an average high temperature of 79.5°F, it should come as no surprise that Floridian John Gorrie introduced refrigeration and air conditioning to the world in 1851. The invention of sunblock would be a must in addition to the above, with partly cloudy to sunny days. Benjamin Green, a Hungary-born pharmacist, invented a sunscreen in 1944 that later became a tanning lotion called Coppertone.
The Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County's home has come a long way since its first launch in 1950. Cape Canaveral's missions go well into the future, from Appollo missions to Hubble Telescopes and Mars Rovers. Commercial ventures, as well as SpaceX launches, are among the missions on offer.
Florida has more than enough to do and see. The Sunshine State's open spaces and sunny faces require more than a visit, from man-made worlds and relaxing beaches to long, colorful and intricate history. From man-made worlds and relaxing beaches to long, colorful and intricate history, the Sunshine State's open spaces and sunny faces attract more than one visit.
