Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its hundreds of miles of beaches. Some of the most notable cities in Florida include Miami, which has a distinctly Latin-American culture. The city has a thriving arts scene and an upscale South Beach neighborhood famous for its nightlife. The theme parks of Orlando are another draw for tourists.
After the state became a state in 1845, railroad barons built railroad lines along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, spurring the state’s growth. In 1912, railroad baron Henry Flagler reached the southernmost point of the U.S. and completed the Florida East Coast Railway. He left behind grand hotels. Another railroad entrepreneur, Henry Plant, pushed rail lines down the West Coast.
In the early 20th century, the state suffered from a crop pest known as the boll weevil, which destroyed the cotton crop in the state. Consequently, the state was taken over by the United States. The Seminole Wars (1816-1858) were fought in Florida. On January 10, 1861, Florida was one of the original Confederate States. However, it was restored to the Union on June 25, 1868.
Florida is the southeasternmost state in the United States and borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Its highest point is only 345 feet above sea level, the lowest in the United States. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States. The state is home to nine-hundred miles of hiking and biking trails. It has 12 national parks, three state forests, and a scenic trail.
Florida has abundant water resources, with more than six thousand miles of coastline. The state is also home to more than one thousand lakes and streams. The largest of these is Lake Okeechobee, which spans an area of 1,800 square miles and is the third largest freshwater lake in the United States. Several hundred species of fish and shellfish live in these waters. The most common saltwater varieties include bluefish, flounder, mullet, groupers, snook, and tarpon.
The climate of Florida varies from subtropical to tropical. The tropical area extends south of Lake Okeechobee and south of Bradenton. The subtropical region is located north of these regions. There are seasonal cold spells but no extreme cold snaps. On average, Florida experiences about one hurricane every five years.
Tourism is a major industry in Florida and is responsible for the growth of the state’s economy. The state attracts more than a hundred million visitors a year. The state is also famous for growing oranges and grapefruit. Around 80 percent of the United State’s citrus is grown in Florida. It is unsurprising that Florida’s economy ranks high in the fastest-growing states.
Wildlife is abundant in Florida. The state is home to the American alligator and the crocodile, which live in the Everglades National Park. It also hosts more than 40 species of snakes. Four of these are poisonous, including the copperhead. Florida is also home to various turtles, tortoises, and lizards.
