The land he came upon was so beautiful, that he named it Florida, because of the beautiful flowers and trees found there. Florida was discovered in the spring at the time of Pascua Florida, the Spanish festival of flowers, held at the Easter season.
De Leon and his men continued to sail northward along the coast and landed somewhere near the present location of St. Augustine. After nearly a week of exploring the beautiful land, Ponce de Leon sailed southward, skirted the Florida Keys, and went up the west coast of Florida. For six long months, he searched in vain for the Fountain of Youth. Disappointed he returned to Puerto Rico.
Seven years later, in 1521, Ponce de Leon set forth on his second trip to Florida. He sailed into the Gulf of Mexico and landed south of the Tampa Bay, near what is now Port Charlotte, with some Spanish settlers. The Spaniards were attacked by the Indians and Ponce de Leon was wounded. He returned to Cuba and died.
If Ponce de Leon was to visit Florida today, he would be met with a bit more hospitality than he encountered on his second journey. The Indians are friendlier now. And, while he didn’t find the Fountain of Youth, he would still be drawn back again and again because of Florida’s natural beauty and healthful climate.
Ponce de Leon would come, like the 50 million visitors to Florida did last year, to rest and enjoy the wide sandy beaches. And, being the adventurer that he was, he would enjoy the vast array of fun attractions and resorts that now dot the Florida landscape.
Ponce de Leon discovered a whole new world – Florida. Come back to this site often to explore the old and discover the new adventures awaiting your next visit to The Sunshine State.
