It Happened in Florida: Remarkable Events That Shaped History

It Happened In...

by E. Lynne Wright

From Ponce de Leon's discovery of the "Land of Flowers" in 1513 to the suspense of the 2000 presidential election, It Happened in Florida takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the characters and episodes from the Sunshine State's vibrant past. Here you'll read about how The Mouse chose Orlando as his kingdom, and what it was like to live just 90 miles from Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. You'll also meet the steadfast queen of Miami's Art Deco district, and the barefoot mailmen who delivered letters on foot between Miami and Palm Beach. Many of the people and events from Florida's past are well known, but many are not. Did you know that the land of alligators inspired the inventions of Gatorade and the air conditioner? Or that the Nazis invaded Florida during World War II? Do you know what enormous civil rights contribution Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, champion of the Everglades, made to the state of Florida? In an easy-to-read style that's entertaining as well as informative, E. Lynne Wright recounts some of the most captivating moments from Florida's history. (6 x 9, 160 pages)

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting series of books that gives you insight into what events have happened in the state you are reading about. Some are fun facts, some outrageous, and some so disgusting that it makes you want to go back in time and cattle prod a few horrible people. Much of what I learned is new information that makes me want to visit the state. I've never been one who wanted to visit Florida (except for the Keys), but a few interesting tidbits have made me want to now.

[Holly Lindquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent selection of historical tales, with a refreshing emphasis on enterprising women of the state. I particularly enjoyed the bits on Marjory Stoneman Douglas (savior of the Everglades), the legendary Seminole leader Betty Mae Tiger, and the "tired housewife from Micanopy" who saved the Ockalawaha River.

[Josh Liller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, fast, easy read about some interesting people and events in Florida history. Some are pretty well known, some obscure. Decent non-fiction fluff.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse gift shop. It is a fun collection of stories about Florida’s past.

[Susan]

Very interesting!

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book on vacation....a collection of historical stories from Florida. Quick read, mostly stuff I had heard already.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many interesting facts about Florida history. Loved it!

[Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writing and how much I learned about important people from Florida. Every chapter was brief but drew me in and was enjoyable to learn.