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Where Was the First Thanksgiving?

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When it comes to Thanksgiving, most people immediately think of Plymouth, Massachusetts  and the Pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving there in 1621. However, there is an often-overlooked and forgotten Thanksgiving celebration that predates the one in Plymouth by more than 50 years – the first Thanksgiving in Saint Augustine , Florida . Saint Augustine , founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles , is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States . It is a city steeped in rich history, and its first Thanksgiving deserves recognition for its unique place in American history. Prior to the arrival of Europeans the region around Saint Augustine was inhabited by the Seloy Tribe (named after its Chief) of the Timucua Native Americans.  From their settlement they fished, hunted, and farmed.  When the Spanish landed they were greeted warmly by the natives, who even gave them the Chief’s council house for their use as a base. The

The History and Haunting of The Florida Theatre

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The Florida Theatre is the last surviving historic grand theatre in downtown Jacksonville .  It has stood for nearly one hundred years at 148 East Forsyth Street . Some people believe that the spirits of at least two of its early employees have also survived and often make themselves known to both theater goers and staff. During the roaring 1920s, Jacksonville experienced a significant boom in its economy and population. The city became a highly popular vacation destination, drawing in visitors from across the country. The rise of the automobile industry and the completion of major highway projects made Jacksonville easily accessible, contributing to the influx of tourists. The city's vibrant entertainment scene flourished, with several theaters, dance halls, and jazz clubs popping up, making Jacksonville a hub for entertainment and nightlife. At the time, there were fourteen theaters in Jacksonville , offering movies, shows, concerts and vaudeville acts.  In 1926 construction b

France, Spain and a Hurricane: The Bloody Battles for Control of North East Florida

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North East Florida has seen its share of hurricanes.  Luckily, the region has, for the most part, escaped much of the devastation that these storms have caused in other parts of the state.  Due to its unique “indented” shoreline, most Atlantic hurricanes have bounced off the shore further south, avoiding landfall in North East Florida, and then collided with land again in the Carolinas .  Most Gulf of Mexico storms either track due North or are considerably weakened by the time they arrive in this part of the State. It is reasonable to assume that the region had seen hurricanes for many millenniums before the first one was recorded.  The indigenous people that lived in Florida before the arrival of European settlers were much attuned to nature.  It is likely that they regarded hurricanes as part of the natural cycle – or perhaps warnings from the Gods. Many early explorers and colonizers did not have previous experience with the severe storms to guide their actions, sometimes leading

South of the St. Marys River

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  " South of the St. Marys River - Stories from the History of Northeast Florida" delves into the rich and fascinating history of a region that has played a significant role in shaping the cultural tapestry of America . From the prehistoric times when Northeast Florida was inhabited by fearsome creatures to the epic battles between Spain and France for control of the territory, this book offers a unique look at the events that have shaped the area.   Now Available in Kindle and Paperback Editions Readers will journey through the tumultuous times when Georgia invaded Florida not once, but three times, as well as the infamous era of pirates on Amelia Island . Explore the life of David Levy Yulee, a prominent figure in Florida 's history, and learn about the innovative Florida Railroad Company that transformed transportation in the region. From the pivotal Battle of Olustee to the ghost town of Italia in Nassau County , this book uncovers hidden gems and forgott

Before There Was Hollywood: Film Making in Northeast Florida

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In the late 1800’s Northeast Florida was the place to be.  Henry Flagler had completed his Florida East Coast Railway to St. Augustine where he built grand hotels.  Tourists streamed in from the north lured by the pleasant whether and, of course, the beaches.  The City of Jacksonville benefited from the boom as well and by the turn of the century it was a busy metropolis and the largest city in Florida by population and had some twenty-nine thousand residents.  Downtown Jacksonville was alive with commerce and entertainment.  Construction of the largest railroad station south of Washington DC was well underway.  The city also ran one of the first electric streetcar systems in the south. Then, on May 3, 1901 tragedy struck.  The Cleveland Fiber Factory was in the business of supplying Spanish moss to be used as a filling for cushions and mattresses.  Part of the process involved laying out the moss to dry.  Because moss is highly flammable, small fires were not uncommon and