Florida Early History

During the Paleozoic period, species composition consisted of early invertebrates. The geological formation of Paleozoic Florida was sandstone, shale, metamorphic rock, igneous, and basement rock. At the time, what is now considered Florida was completely submerged. During the Mesozoic era, Florida was mainly composed of limestone due to the increasing accumulation of material from coral reefs and the addition of bones/shells of small aquatic organisms. Dinosaurs first appeared and some terrestrial organisms appeared as the accumulation of coral material began building up the south portion of Florida until it rose above the sea level. Next, the Cenozoic period brought about the earliest appearance of mammals. Paleo Indians crossed over from the Bering Strait and were the first humans to appear in Florida (Purdy 2006). Before 1861, Seminoles were the majority peoples of Florida whiel slavery was popularized (Milanich 2004).

References:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2015. Florida's geologic history.

Milanich JT. 2004. Early groups of central and south Florida.

Purdy BA. 2006. Florida's first people during the last ice age.