Importance of La Florida
Unlike other places in the Americas, Florida did not contain precious metals. However, Spain realized its importance in protecting the ships carrying gold and silver from Mexico and South America to Spain. Therefore, Spain persisted in trying to establish a settlement, despite the previous failures. With the founding of St. Augustine, a new chapter began in Florida’s colonial history, further changing Florida and the lives of its Native inhabitants forever.
Map of St. Augustine, ca. 1590s
Nombre de Dios, from map of the town, fort, and entrance to the harbor of St. Augustine and vicinity, Florida.
Library of Congress Geography and Map Division
