Guide to Florida

Guide To Florida by Rambler. This 1878 travelogue blends historical narrative of Florida's discovery and early colonization with practical guidance on the state's geography, climate, and travel routes. It chronicles Ponce de Leon's 1512 voyage and the fountain tale, De Ayllon, Narvaez, and De Soto, the failed Luna expedition, and the Huguenot settlements, portraying Florida as a theater of exploration and empire building. The work surveys Florida's geography and climate, noting the peninsula's length, navigable rivers, lakes, springs, and the reputed healthful properties of its waters. It also offers detailed guidance for reaching Florida by steamship and rail from New York, Charleston, and Savannah, with descriptions of ports such as Fernandina, Jacksonville, Magnolia, Green Cove Springs, Picolata, Tocoi, Palatka, St. Augustine, and beyond. Rich with anecdotal scenes of St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, and other stops along the St. John's River and Ocklawaha River, the book blends history, travel planning, and regional portraits, including hotel and excursion notes for invalids and tourists alike.