IMPACT OF EUROPEANS

(Source of picture: Florida State Archives)

In this picture from the 1500s, Timucua villagers welcome the French to Florida.  On the First Coast, native denizens initially proved receptive to the Europeans.  One local chief, for example, hoped that the strange, new people would help him in his conflict with a neighboring Indian leader.

HORSE SENSE -- Tiny horses used to gallop over Florida's grasslands.  They became extinct, though, long before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s.  The conquistadors reintroduced horses to Florida.  When they fought the Timucua & other Indians, they hoped to press a military advantage by their use of the creatures. 

The native Floridians, nevertheless, had other plans.  Here's an example: When Hernando deSoto & his troops advanced through Central & Panhandle Florida, the Indians tried to avoid them.  They shied away from stand-up fights in open country.  Wisely, they didn't want to face cavalry charges.

DISEASES -- The Europeans brought some deadly baggage to Florida.  Prior to their arrival, many diseases either didn't exist or were only minimally present among the Indians.  These included smallpox, chickenpox, measles, and influenza. 

Native Floridians could have sympathized with us, though, in regard to other miseries.  They had long suffered from such afflictions as arthritis, rickets, abscessed teeth, wound infections, birth defects, and some sexual diseases.

THE LAST OF THE TIMUCUA -- After the Europeans arrived, the Timucua were ravaged by epidemics.  Thousands upon thousands died.  They had not yet developed immunities to diseases introduced by the newcomers. 

The native people also fell victim to Spanish and English raids.  Some of the Timucua were slaughtered.  To make matters worse, the Indians were caught in the middle as the Spanish, French, and English fought over Florida.  

The number of Timucua dwindled until there were fewer than 100 left.  When the Spanish pulled out of Florida in 1763, the last of the Timucua went with them.  And when the Spanish returned twenty years later, it doesn't appear that they brought any Timucua back.

"INDIANA JONES" & THE SUNSHINE STATE -- Floridians are growing more concerned about saving archaeological sites, including old Indian locations.  This apprehension is shown by who hires archaeologists today. 

Thirty years ago, almost all archaeologists were employed by universities.  The majority now work in private positions.  Because of public pressure, companies must be more cautious about destroying potential archaeological sites.  Therefore, archaeologists are finding job opportunities with developers & other related businesses. 

Some archaeologists are also obtaining positions in museums & non-profit organizations.  In addition, government agencies hire archaeologists.  It's not unusual for even local governments to boast of an archaeologist on staff. 

There is at least one other indication of stronger preservation efforts: the increasing cooperation between professional and amateur archaeologists.  The professionals used to be more worried that the amateurs used improper methods, dispersed artifacts into private collections, and didn't maintain good records.  A new spirit of camaraderie has been engendered, though. 

Encouraging this unity is the alarming rate at which archaeological sites are disappearing.   According to preservationists, it's either work together or have little left to work with.