What were the primary periods of control for East Florida?

East Florida was initially a colony of Great Britain from 1763 to 1783. Following this, it became a province of the Spanish Empire from 1783 to 1821.

How did Great Britain acquire control of Florida in 1763?

Great Britain gained control over Spanish Florida as a result of the Treaty of Paris, which was signed on February 10, 1763, and concluded the Seven Years' War.

Why did the British divide Florida into two colonies?

British officials decided that the newly acquired territory of Florida was too large to administer as a single unit. Consequently, they divided it into two colonies, East Florida and West Florida, separated by the Apalachicola River.

What was the capital city of East Florida during the British period?

The capital of East Florida during the British period was St. Augustine, which was the old Spanish colonial capital.

What happened to the Spanish population of Florida after the Treaty of Paris in 1763?

Before the transfer of control to Britain, most of the Spanish population, including virtually all residents of St. Augustine, departed the territory, with many migrating to Cuba.

How did East Florida and West Florida relate to the broader geography of Florida?

East Florida was significantly larger, encompassing the majority of the former Spanish colony and most of present-day Florida. West Florida's capital was located in Pensacola.

What was the British strategy for settling East and West Florida?

The British attempted to encourage settlement in both East and West Florida, hoping this would alleviate pressure on the Proclamation Line of 1763, which restricted colonial expansion westward. However, these efforts were largely unsuccessful, as many land grantees did not settle their properties.

What was East Florida's stance during the American Revolutionary War?

East Florida remained loyal to Great Britain throughout the American Revolutionary War. The colony also served as a refuge for Loyalist refugees and fugitive slaves escaping from the Southern Colonies.

How did East Florida return to Spanish control?

As part of the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which officially recognized the independence of the United States, Great Britain ceded both East and West Florida back to Spain.

How did the boundary between East and West Florida change under Spanish rule?

Initially, the boundary remained the Apalachicola River, as established by the British. However, in 1785, Spain moved this boundary eastward to the Suwannee River.

What was the state of Spanish administration in Florida in the early 1800s?

By the early 1800s, Spain was considered uninterested in and incapable of effectively organizing or defending the Floridas beyond their two small capital cities.

What role did American settlers play in Spanish East Florida?

American settlers moved into the territory without authorization, leading to conflicts, particularly with the Seminoles, and contributing to the weakening of Spanish control.

What was the significance of the Patriot War of East Florida in 1812?

During the War of 1812, a group of Americans calling themselves the "Patriots" declared the short-lived Republic of East Florida at Amelia Island with semi-official U.S. government support, further undermining Spanish authority.

How did Andrew Jackson's actions impact Spanish Florida?

During the First Seminole War, Andrew Jackson's forces invaded East Florida, capturing San Marcos and Pensacola in 1818. These actions contributed to Spain's decision to cede Florida to the United States.

What was the outcome of the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 regarding Florida?

Through the Adams-Onís Treaty, Spain formally ceded all of its Florida territory to the United States. The U.S. officially took possession in 1821.

How was Florida organized after the U.S. acquired it?

In 1822, the U.S. Congress organized the Florida Territory by merging East Florida and the remaining parts of West Florida that had been under Spanish control until 1821. Its borders closely approximated those of the modern state of Florida.

What was the relationship between land grants in East Florida and Nova Scotia?

The apportionment of lands in East Florida was closely linked to the same interests that controlled Nova Scotia, with many overlapping members in their respective societies, influencing land grants to powerful London merchant interests.

Who were some key figures involved in land speculation in East Florida during the British period?

Key figures included Richard Oswald, a Scottish slave trader, and General James Grant, who later became governor. Colonel Thomas Thoroton also acted as a crucial intermediary between these speculators.

What was the racial demographic composition of British East Florida?

During the period of British rule, the black population outnumbered the white population by a ratio of two to one. This ratio was higher than in other southern British colonies but lower than in British West Florida.

Where did many Minorcans settle in East Florida?

Due to poor treatment in New Smyrna, many Minorcans relocated to St. Augustine, where a significant number resided in a district known as the "Minorcan Quarter" or the "Greek Quarter."

What was the estimated population of East Florida before the American Revolution?

It is estimated that East Florida had a population of close to 3,000 people prior to the American Revolution, making it considerably more populated than West Florida.

What happened to the Loyalist and British residents of East Florida after 1783?

Approximately 10,000 Loyalist and British residents departed East Florida after its cession to Spain, with most relocating to the Bahamas or West Indies, and some moving to Nova Scotia and England. Another 4,000 are described as having "melted away into the wilderness."

What was St. Johns Bluff?

St. Johns Bluff, also known as St. Johns Town, was a settlement laid out in 1779 along the St. Johns River. It became a port and had 300 houses by the spring of 1783 before being renamed St. Vincent Ferrer and eventually abandoned.

How did St. Augustine's economy develop during the second Spanish period?

During the second Spanish period, St. Augustine's economy grew due to the continuation of plantation agriculture and the implementation of more liberalized trade policies, reducing its dependence on royal financial support.

What was the economic relationship between East Florida and the United States after 1796?

Following Spain's alignment with France against Britain in 1796, British trade ceased, making East Florida economically dependent on the United States. Charleston, Savannah, Philadelphia, and New York City became significant trading partners.

What was the significance of the *East Florida Gazette*?

The *East Florida Gazette* was a pro-loyalist newspaper published weekly in St. Augustine from 1783 to 1784, founded by loyalist printers John and William Charles Wells.

What goods were exported from East Florida plantations?

Plantations along the St. Marys and St. Johns rivers produced and exported goods such as sugar, timber, indigo, rice, naval stores, and barrel staves, primarily utilizing slave labor.

What was the role of fishing ranchos in East Florida?

Spanish fishing ranchos existed along Florida's southwest coast, and the British monitored but allowed them to continue their activities, despite initial suspicions that they posed a threat to British control.

Who was James Grant in the context of East Florida?

James Grant was a British general who became governor of East Florida, serving from August 29, 1764, to May 9, 1771. He is considered the inaugural governor of the colony.

Who was Patrick Tonyn?

Patrick Tonyn served as the Governor of East Florida from March 1, 1774, to July 12, 1784, a period that included the American Revolution and the subsequent cession of Florida to Spain.

Who was Vicente Manuel de Céspedes y Velasco?

Vicente Manuel de Céspedes y Velasco was a Spanish governor of East Florida, serving from July 12, 1784, to July 1790, during the early part of the second Spanish period.

Who was Enrique White?

Enrique White served as a Spanish governor of East Florida from June 1796 to March 1811.

Who was José María Coppinger?

José María Coppinger was the last Spanish governor of East Florida, serving from January 1816 until July 10, 1821, during the period of the First Seminole War with the United States.

What was the significance of the motto on the East Florida royal seal?

The motto on the East Florida royal seal, 'Moresque Viris et Moenia Ponet,' translates to 'He will establish customs for men, and walls,' reflecting a focus on societal order and defense.

What was the population of St. Augustine in 1786?

In 1786, St. Augustine had a population of about 950 people, with approximately 300 individuals of African descent, whether enslaved or free.

What was the primary concern for Spanish Florida following the Haitian Revolution?

Spain was concerned about the potential spread of revolutionary ideas from the Haitian Revolution to its own colonies, including Florida. Governor Quesada implemented policies to prohibit interactions with French possessions to prevent this.

What was the role of the East Florida Society of London?

The East Florida Society of London, along with the Nova Scotia Society of London, influenced British land policy by suggesting grants to powerful merchant interests in London.

What was the population of East Florida by 1783?

By 1783, the population of East Florida had grown to approximately 17,000 people.

What was the purpose of the British dividing Florida into East and West Florida?

The division was made because British officials considered the territory too large to administer as a single unit after acquiring it from Spain in 1763.

What was the significance of St. Augustine's port status during the second Spanish period?

St. Augustine served as the largest port on the Atlantic Ocean south of Charleston, facilitating trade with cities like Charleston, Cap-Haïtien, Savannah, Philadelphia, and New York City.

What was the "Republic of East Florida" declared in 1812?

The "Republic of East Florida" was a short-lived entity declared by American settlers at Amelia Island with semi-official U.S. government support, occurring during the War of 1812.

What was the outcome of the 1783 Treaty of Paris regarding Florida?

The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War, resulted in Great Britain ceding both East and West Florida back to Spain.

What was the significance of East Florida serving as a Loyalist haven?

East Florida provided refuge for individuals loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, many of whom had fled from the Southern Colonies.

What was the population ratio of black to white residents in British East Florida?

In British East Florida, the black population outnumbered the white population by a ratio of two to one.

What was the role of John Wells and William Charles Wells in East Florida?

The Wells brothers were loyalist printers who founded and published the *East Florida Gazette* in St. Augustine from 1783 to 1784. They also published books, including one written by John Wells himself.

What was the significance of the Suwannee River in relation to East and West Florida?

The Suwannee River became the eastern boundary of Spanish West Florida after Spain regained control of the Floridas in 1783, moving the boundary eastward from the Apalachicola River.

What was the status of St. Augustine's development compared to other colonial capitals?

St. Augustine, the capital of East Florida, was described as being smaller and less advanced than the capitals of the Thirteen Colonies.

What was the purpose of the British proclamation line of 1763 in relation to Florida settlement?

The proclamation line aimed to prevent colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, and the British encouraged settlement in Florida partly to draw colonists away from this line.

What was the significance of the *East Florida Gazette* being published in St. Augustine?

The *East Florida Gazette* was the first newspaper published in St. Augustine during the British period, providing a local pro-loyalist perspective before news was primarily received from other colonial gazettes.

What was the impact of the Haitian Revolution on Spanish Florida?

The Haitian Revolution raised concerns in Spanish Florida about the potential spread of independence ideas. Governor Quesada implemented policies to prevent the introduction of French ideas, books, citizens, or slaves from French possessions.

East Florida Wiki: East Florida: A Colonial Chronicle

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Historical Trajectory

British Acquisition and Administration

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which concluded the Seven Years' War, Great Britain acquired Spanish Florida. To facilitate administration, the territory was divided into East Florida and West Florida, separated by the Apalachicola River. East Florida, encompassing the majority of the peninsula and retaining St. Augustine as its capital, saw its existing Spanish population largely emigrate to Cuba before British control was fully established.^[1] The British sought to populate the colonies by offering land grants, often favoring London-based commercial interests and well-connected individuals, though settlement efforts met with limited success.^[2]

The American Revolution and Shifting Allegiances

During the American Revolutionary War, East Florida remained loyal to the British Crown, serving as a refuge for Loyalist refugees and enslaved individuals escaping from the Southern colonies.^[4] Spain, allied with France, participated indirectly and captured Pensacola in 1781. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 ceded both Floridas back to Spain, directly north of the newly recognized United States.^[3]

Spanish Resurgence and American Expansion

Under renewed Spanish rule, the boundary between East and West Florida was shifted eastward to the Suwannee River in 1785.^[31] Spain's administrative capacity proved insufficient, leading to territorial disputes and unauthorized settlement by Americans. Conflicts with the Seminoles and events like the Patriot War of East Florida (1812) and Andrew Jackson's invasion during the First Seminole War highlighted Spanish weakness.^[34] The Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 formalized Spain's cession of both Floridas to the United States, culminating in the establishment of the Florida Territory in 1822.^[36]

Colonial Governance Structures

British Administration

The position of Governor of British East Florida was an appointed role, with executive authority shared with a legislative council. Appointed officials, such as the attorney general and chief justice, required approval from the British government. The East Florida Court of Vice Admiralty was established in April 1771 to handle maritime cases. Both East and West Florida possessed distinct royal seals, with East Florida's seal featuring a fortified town and harbor and the Latin motto Moresque Viris et Moenia Ponet.^[5]^[6]

Spanish Administration

During the Spanish period, East and West Florida initially maintained their British-defined boundary along the Apalachicola River. However, Spain later adjusted this boundary eastward to the Suwannee River in 1785.^[31] The Spanish administration offered incentives for land acquisition, attracting settlers from the United States, but faced persistent territorial disputes and internal instability.^[34]

Population Dynamics

Population Trends

Prior to the American Revolution, East Florida's population was estimated at approximately 3,000, significantly larger than West Florida's few hundred residents.^[10] By 1783, the population had grown to about 17,000.^[12]

Racial and Ethnic Composition

During British rule, the Black population came to exceed the white population by a ratio of two to one, a proportion higher than in other southern British colonies.^[8] White residents were primarily military personnel, overseers, artisans, or merchants, with few yeoman farmers. St. Augustine housed a notable community of Minorcans, many residing in a district known as the "Minorcan Quarter" or "Greek Quarter."^[9] Under Spanish rule, St. Augustine's population of around 3,000 was roughly half enslaved Black individuals, with rural settlements being predominantly Anglo.^[37]^[39]

Economic Landscape

Plantation Agriculture and Trade

The British period saw the development of plantation agriculture, with key exports including sugar, timber, indigo, rice, naval stores, and barrel staves, largely reliant on enslaved labor.^[20] Spanish East Florida maintained this plantation system, with cash crops contributing to economic growth and reducing dependence on the royal situado.^[40] St. Augustine functioned as a significant Atlantic port, facilitating trade with Charleston and Cap Français.^[41]

Shifting Trade Dependencies

Following Spain's alliance with France and declaration of war against Britain in 1796, British trade diminished, leading East Florida to become economically reliant on the United States. Charleston emerged as St. Augustine's primary trading partner, supplanting Havana. Savannah, Philadelphia, and New York City also became key trading hubs. East Florida exported oranges, lumber, and cotton, while importing fish, grain, and foodstuffs from the U.S.^[42]

Print and Information Dissemination

Early Publications

The East Florida Gazette, a weekly pro-Loyalist newspaper, was published in St. Augustine from 1783 to 1784 by loyalist printer John Wells.^[23]^[24] Prior to its establishment, news primarily arrived via gazettes from Savannah and Charleston.^[19] The Wells brothers also published books, including Samuel Gale's Nature and the Principles of Public Credit and John Wells's The Case of the Inhabitants of East Florida.^[26] In 1783, David Zubly printed John Tobler's Almanack, the first book published in the colony.^[27]

Governors of East Florida

Gubernatorial Terms

The following individuals served as governors or acting governors during the periods of British and Spanish rule in East Florida:

Name	Term	Notes
John Hedges	20 Jul 1763 – 30 Jul 1763	Acting governor
Francis Ogilvie	30 Jul 1763 – 29 Aug 1764	Acting governor
James Grant	29 Aug 1764 – 9 May 1771	Inaugural governor
John Moultrie	9 May 1771 – 1 Mar 1774
Patrick Tonyn	1 Mar 1774 – 12 Jul 1784
Vicente Manuel de Césedes y Velasco	12 July 1784 – July 1790	Capital at St. Augustine
Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada y Barnuevo	July 1790 – March 1796
Bartolomé Morales	March 1796 – June 1796	Acting governor
Enrique White	June 1796 – March 1811
Juan José de Estrada	March 1811 – June 1812	Patriot War with U.S.
Sebastián Kindelán y Oregón	June 1812 – June 1815	Patriot War with U.S.
Juan José de Estrada	June 1815 – January 1816
José María Coppinger	January 1816 – 10 July 1821	First Seminole War with U.S.

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References

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East Florida: A Colonial Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🇬🇧 British Acquisition and Administration

🇺🇸 The American Revolution and Shifting Allegiances

🇪🇸 Spanish Resurgence and American Expansion

Colonial Governance Structures 🏛️

👑 British Administration

🇪🇸 Spanish Administration

Population Dynamics 👥

📈 Population Trends

🌍 Racial and Ethnic Composition

Economic Landscape 💰

🌳 Plantation Agriculture and Trade

🤝 Shifting Trade Dependencies

Print and Information Dissemination 📰

📜 Early Publications

Governors of East Florida 👨‍⚖️

📜 Gubernatorial Terms

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Trajectory

British Acquisition and Administration

The American Revolution and Shifting Allegiances

Spanish Resurgence and American Expansion

Colonial Governance Structures

British Administration

Spanish Administration

Population Dynamics

Population Trends

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Economic Landscape

Plantation Agriculture and Trade

Shifting Trade Dependencies

Print and Information Dissemination

Early Publications

Governors of East Florida

Gubernatorial Terms

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice