rich history and beautiful sites has often been referred to as the Magic City which is fitting with the way the city splashed into existence. Located in South Florida and known for its natural beauty with beaches that flow into its oceans and never ending sky’s, it’s no wonder that the early European settlers exploring the land believed it to be filled with the fountain of youth. The sunny climate along with its heartwarming feel attracts not only young adults looking to enjoy the exotic Miami night life, but also those retirement aged citizens seeking the peace and tranquility that is often felt in such a resort themed city. In recent years, the city has grown at a tremendous rate which can be attributed to industries such as real estate, finance, …show more content…
Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European to visit the land and was in search of riches and building of a colony. Ponce de Leon had experienced early exploring success, discovering the island he renamed Puerto Rico where he served as governor for over two years until being replaced and sent back Europe (History). After his return to Spain, Ponce de Leon set out on another expedition in hopes of establishing a Spanish colony of his own. In 1513, he and over 200 settlers discovered upon land on Florida’s east coast which he named La Florida because “it was close to the Christian festival of flowers” (Cavendish, R). Ponce de Leon was met with a great deal of resistance from the native tribe of Calusa and as a result was wounded by a poised arrow which ultimately took his life. Other Spanish settlers were never as successful as they desired in settling in the Miami area. Like Ponce de Leon, many explored the land in search of the warm climate, riches, gold, in awe of the land believing the water to be filled with “eternal youth” (history), but were only able to build small forts and towns, many of which still exist
The nature of the Narvaez expedition was intended to be like that of any other Spanish exploration to the New World. Panfilo de Narvaez, who was selected as governor of Florida and who financed the expedition, was also appointed the commander in chief by emperor Charles V. Cabeza de Vaca was appointed royal treasurer of the voyage for his brightness and noble character. The Spaniards were to conquer the land of Florida in the name of the Charles V and the nation of Spain. They expected to take on and overcome any natives who got in their way and to reap all of the wealth and materials of worth that they came across. When the ships arrived at the western coastline of Florida, they were greeted with a storm. This was just a sign of things to come for the fleet. The storm forced the ships to land at a different bay than what they planned on. From this point the governor wanted to move inland and explore the terrain. Meanwhile he also wanted the ships to sail along the coast until they reached the correct bay. This commenced the downfall of the conquest.
Juan Ponce de Leon is most recognized as the Spanish explorer who discovered Florida. However this was not his only achievement or contribution to the Spanish empire. Prior to discovering Florida he helped fight off the last of the Moors in Granada, he prevented the Indians from attacking the Spaniards in Hispaniola, he served as the first governor of Puerto Rico, discovered other geographical features off of Florida’s coast all while never giving up on his quest for gold or to gain the same recognition as Christopher Columbus.
In 1539 Hernando de Soto and five hundred adventurers began on a journey of exploration that would take 4 years and would travel through 10 states in the southeast United States. His goal was to discover a source of wealth, preferably gold, and around his mines establish a settlement. During his travels through La Florida he encountered numerous groups of native peoples, making friends of some and enemies of others. His expedition was not the first in La Florida; however, it was the most extensive. In its aftermath, thousands of Indians would die by disease that the Spaniards brought from the Old World. De Soto would initially be remembered as a great explorer but, would be later viewed as a destroyer of native culture. However, in truth de Soto was neither a hero or a villain but rather an adventurer.
Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 discovered Florida and was later met by a southern Indian tribe that would cut Leon’s triumphant moment short. A second attempt to colonize in America was led unsuccessful by Panfilo de Norvaez in 1528. Many men were lost at sea and others were among the Indian people. The first Spanish expedition in 1539 to what would later be known as Florida was an invasion that would be soon attacked twice by natives. Herman de Soto and his group of men in 1542 were defeated along with the rest of the Spanish attempts. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was another explorer in 1540 that attempted to bring back any rare goods to Spain. The army traveled through the southwest and to the Great Plains, returning empty-handed.
He was given various titles and honors by the King and Queen, detailed plans were made for a second voyage, negotiations were begun to divide the world into a Spanish and a Portuguese sphere, and the Native Americans who came back with Columbus began to spread syphilis in Europe, much as the Europeans spread smallpox and measles to the Americas. Flowing with the excitement of “discovering” new land, Columbus offered a reward of 10,000 maravedis or $540 (a sailor’s yearly salary) for the first person to sight land. Though another sailor saw the land in October 1492, Columbus retracted the reward he had previously offered because he claimed he had seen a dim light in the west. At about 2 a.m. on the morning of October 12 the lookout on the Pinta, Rodrigo de Triana, saw white cliffs in the moonlight and called out "Tierra! Tierra!" (Later Columbus awarded himself the bonus for sighting land because he had seen a light). Columbus landed on a small island in the Bahamas. While Columbus's ships were sailing along the northern coast of Cuba, Martín Alonso Pinzón suddenly left in the Pinta without telling
This friendly attitude towards the natives did not last long. There was a settlement left on the island of Hispaniola, after the first voyage, called Navidad. The settlers were supposed to be cementing relations and trading with the natives. On the night of November 27, 1493, when Columbus was on his second voyage back to visit this colony, he was met with only silence. All that was found were the ashes of the town and the remains of the settlers bodies (Dor-Ner 206-207).
Two different aspects of the discovery of the Indies and Hispaniola were seen. The first aspect was from the viewpoint of Christopher Columbus. In 1493, Columbus wrote a letter to Luis De Sant Angel announcing his discoveries in the Indies. The letter was also being sent to the king and queen of Spain. The letter was written in a very deceitful manner to make it so the king and queen would continue to fund Columbus and his expedition as long as he continued making achievements for Spain. Upon his arrival, Columbus talks much of the land the Spaniards have conquered in the name of Spain. In the letter, he also talks about how the Indies were inhabited by a great number of people. Columbus describes the people as, “hopelessly timid, unsuspicious, generous, and very accepting.”1 The indigenous people were accepting of the conversion to Christianity. The justification of Christianity was used for Columbus’ expedition, while the territory and resources were the byproduct. Columbus was hoping that by
As we know, Puerto Rico was a colony of Spain "found" by Christopher Columbus on November 19, 1493, and remained a colony of Spain for the next 400 years. But the interesting fact remains that Puerto Rico was not truly settled by the Spaniards until almost fifteen years later! In 1508, Juan Ponce de Leon came to settle the land of Borinken, and founded the town of Caparra. This was the start of a proud people that would eventually become known as Puerto Ricans.
While Miami is experiencing some hard times during the past years, it is still a city full of life and opportunity. Cultures come together in Miami like a city unlike no other. It has the fame and glamor, but still suffers from poverty and corruption. It provides many of opportunities for people, especially those coming from Latin America. While Miami is still one of the biggest cities in the United States, I believe it will continue to survive and reclaim its title as the “Magic City”.
Once Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of Haiti and the Dominican Republic word spread across Spain like wildfire that Christopher had succeeded in sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. Other countries such as Spain and Portugal sent conquistadors to explore the New Territory and claim lands for their own people. Spain under the rule of Isabella and Ferdinand sent Hernan Cortez, an incredible charismatic leader who was cunning, ruthless and highly educated. Hernan set sail for the coast of Mexico where he landed on the small island of San Juan de Ulua, just along the Eastern Coast of Mexico. As he set sail there will there be more to it
The Great Transformation From A Casino City To a Resort Destination Atlantic City is the place to gamble on the East Coast. Although this may initially seem to be a positive characteristic, it is evident that this destination has the capability to be so much more than it already is. This point of interest has the world’s first boardwalk, which opened in 1881, has 4 miles of hotels, amusements, and casinos. Atlantic City was originally a resort town, until 1978, when it changed into a gaming city. This popular day-trip destination had over 34 million visitors in 1998 alone. Despite this amazing statistic, along with the revenue that gambling brings in, many steps are being taken in order to further promote the expansion of this great city. The renovations and improvements being made to the Atlantic City Convention Center are already increasing the amount of money coming in. There is a great deal of other things to focus on in the Atlantic City region. In endorsing local attractions in this scenic area, and in shifting the target market of this spot, this city would change back into a resort destination. When most people think of Atlantic City, the first thing that comes to mind is the casino attractions that are available. With the city’s constant shuffle and excitement, gamblers from all over go there dreaming of a big win. Many people consider Atlantic City to be the “Las Vegas of the East Coast”. There are over 12 casinos, with one building as magnificent as the next. At any given second of the day, these hopefuls may have their lives changed in an instant with just one win. These casino hotels gain most of their income from gamblers. Casinos employ almost 49,000 people every year. This number should actually jump when the Marina District opens. Although Atlantic City prospers as a gambler’s paradise, many would love to show others just how much more Atlantic City really has to offer its tourists. The Atlantic City Convention Center, built in 1929, was renovated with $72 million in 1997. With the world’s largest pipe organ, everyone from the Beatles to Pavarotti has played there. It was designated a historic landmark in 1987. Conventions, trade shows, meetings, and public events of the greater Atlantic City area all take place here. When the renovation is finally completed, it will seat up to 12,000 people for special events.
On November 19, 1493 Ponce de Leon was one of the first Europeans to see the small island of Borinquen, the Indian name for Puerto Rico. Ponce de Leon sailed to Puerto Rico in 1506 with two hundred men to the island and found out that it had rich gold deposits. He enslaved the natives, and forced them to mine gold for him. Ponce de Leon left Puerto Rico and returned again in 1508 this time he brought with him only fifty men. On this voyage his ship went through a terrible storm that caused him to run onto the rocks on two occasions. The crew was forced to throw over much of their supplies in order to keep the ship from sinking. After Ponce de Leon finally arrived in Puerto Rico he became the governor of the island. This caused him to become very wealthy, and the most powerful man on the island, who only received orders from the kind himself!
A Tale of Two Cities In every great novel, there is a theme that is constant throughout the story. One of the better known themes portrays the fight of good verses evil. Different authors portray this in different ways. Some use colors, while others use seasons to show the contrast. Still, others go for the obvious and use characters.
The history of the colonization of America is one written in blood. Hispaniola is no exception, and the conflict can still be seen today. In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed west. In doing so, he discovered the American continent, and with that, a whole new world. In December 1492, Columbus and his three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria landed on an island called Haiti/ Quisqueya (the original Taino names for Hispaniola).
The first recorded European to reach the Mississippi River was Hernando de Soto. De Soto was a Spanish explorer who led the very first European expedition into modern day United States territory. Upon arrival in America, De Soto claimed Florida for the King of Spain. He then traveled north in search of gold and treasures. De Soto arrived at the river on May 8, 1541, and crossed it in search of more land. Soon after, De Soto died of malaria. His men soon left and discovered more of the basin. ...