New River owes its existence to Pay-hai-okee, now known as the Everglades, the mysterious wetlands and marshes that originally composed most of the southern half of the Florida peninsula. The name “Everglades” has American heritage; it first appeared on a map shortly after Spain ceded its territory, La Florida, to the United States in 1819. But even though it had a new name, it had little identity to the men who then proclaimed its ownership. No one had ever “owned” the Everglades.
The Native Peoples who first inhabited today’s Florida migrated south to the thick woodlands in the panhandle and northern peninsula, areas that were rich in wildlife, pure in water, and abundant in food to forage. They were virtually alone, without external enemies or strange diseases, generally peaceful and content.
By about 3000 BC, the warmer and wetter climate supported modern vegetation, and as their tribes grew, they broadened their horizons to the south. They are believed to have reached southeast Florida about 500 BC, and two millennia later, they could have been gazing at the ocean when the white sails of the ships carrying Juan Ponce de Leon and other conquistadors peeked over the horizon. Life was about to change.
Read more in my book, Legends & Lore of Fort Lauderdale’s New River. Personally inscribed books available now for $21.99 plus tax, with free shipping. Please click here to order. https://tinyurl.com/yckrc4bf
