Florida

As the southernmost point of the contiguous United States and the nation's third most populated state, Florida boasts a vibrant tapestry of history and culture. Long before its modern era, the peninsula was home to diverse Indigenous peoples like the Calusa and Tequesta, eventually becoming the site of the first permanent European settlement in North America at St. Augustine in 1565. Its name, bestowed by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, translates to "Land of Flowers," a tribute to the lush landscapes he encountered during the Easter season, or Pascua Florida. From its Spanish colonial roots and maritime heritage to its pivotal role in the space age, the Sunshine State offers a wealth of landmarks dedicated to preserving a legacy as unique as its geography.