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The history of the First Coast can be traced over 12,000 years to the Timucuan Indians, who originally settled the area. Modern settlement can be dated back to 1564 when René Goulaine de LaudonnièreRene Goulaine de Laudonniere was the founder of the French colony of Fort Caroline near present-day Jacksonville, Florida. In 1562, Laudonniere was appointed second in command of the French Huguenot expedition to Florida under Jean Ribault. Leaving in Feb founded the French Colony of Ft. Caroline near the mouth of the St. Johns River, close to modern day Jacksonville. On August 28August 28 is the 240th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (241st in leap years), with 125 days remaining. Events Wednesday, August 28, 475 The German general Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his capital of Ravenna and appoi, 1565Events March 1 the city of Rio de Janeiro is founded April 27 Cebu City is established becoming the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. August 28 St. Augustine, Florida (named after St. Augustine), established. It is the oldest remaining European, Pedro Menéndez de AvilésPedro Menendez de Aviles (born 1519 in Aviles, Spain, dead in Santander on September 17, 1574), was the first Spanish governor of Florida. He founded the city of St. Augustine on August 28, 1565. Pedro Menendez de Aviles was about forty-six years when he, founded the city of St. Augustine. After defeating the French in skirmishes around the area, Spain had firmly established the area as Spanish territory.
The Spanish era would continue until 1763Events February 10 French and Indian War: The 1763 Treaty of Paris ends the war and France cedes Canada to Great Britain. 15 February the Treaty of Hubertusburg puts an end to the Seven Years' War between Prussia and Austria and their allies March 1 Charl, when SpainThe Kingdom of Spain is a country located in the southwest of Europe. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the northeast, along the Pyrenees mountain range, it borders France and the tiny principality of Andorra. It inc gave control of Florida to England. During English Rule, most of the Spanish population left the area along with the remaining native population. After the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, England ceded Florida back to Spain, beginning the second period of Spanish rule. During this time, many settlers relocated to the First Coast from the United States. The town of Cowford, now Jacksonville was settled in 1791.
In 1819, the United States signed the Adams-On%EDs Treaty with Spain. This treaty gave all of Spanish Florida to the United States for $5 million.
American settlement of the First Coast expanded rapidly following the purchase. The city of Jacksonville was formally established in 1832, with many of the cities along the First Coast tracing their founding to this period. The Civil War brought minor actions to the First Coast. After Florida's secession on January 10, 1861, most of the region was retaken by Union Forces early in war. By mid- 1862 most of the First Coast was in Union hands, and would remain throughout the end of the war.
After the war, more people would begin to settle along the coast. Brought to the area by the beaches and warm weather, the coast remained a tourist destination through the end of the 19th century. The construction of Henry Flagler's railroad to Miami saw a decline in the tourist industry, however, some cities remained popular destination, and do so to this day. Amelia Island and St. Augustine continued to draw visitors to the First Coast for their beaches and historic settlements.