Cedar Key
Cedar Key, Florida, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times when Native American tribes, like the Timucua, inhabited the region, leaving behind evidence of their settlements and shell mounds.
Spanish explorers, such as Ponce de León and Hernando de Soto, also visited the Gulf Coast in the 16th century. The area saw its first European settlement in the early 19th century, thriving initially on fishing, trade, and timber.
During the Second Seminole War, Cedar Key became a strategic military outpost for the United States Army. By the mid-19th century, it developed into a significant port town, benefiting from rich fishing grounds and a prosperous sponge industry.
Despite setbacks like hurricanes and the decline of the sponge industry, Cedar Key saw a resurgence as a tourist destination in the 20th century, known for its historical charm, art community, and natural beauty in the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge and nearby islands. Today, Cedar Key attracts visitors seeking its quaint atmosphere and historical character.