Before we came, they were here. They were the Calusa, a
centuries-old chiefdom with a reign stretching between Florida’s
coasts. They were the Spanish, who brought disease that
decimated the natives. They were the Creeks and Yamasee, who
toted guns and chased the Calusa to Cuba. They were the
Seminoles, who sought refuge from a vengeful military. They were
the early settlers, searching for a rural, tropical paradise. In
Southwest Florida’s earliest days, they all came. Almost all
went. And they left behind a fascinating legacy. They all fought
for a piece of this valuable land, the place we call home.
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