Maritime history of Florida
Spain ceded Florida to the United States as part of the Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819, and Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821. Coastal trade with other markets continued to expand and towns like Jacksonville, Pensacola and Tampa became important ports. After becoming a U.S. territory, the federal government began building a series of lighthouses as aids to navigation along the coasts of Florida to mark dangerous headlands, shoals, bars and reefs.
William Marvin
Marvin served as a U.S. territorial judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Territory from 1839 to 1847. Florida became a U.S. state in 1845. On March 2, 1847, President James K. Polk nominated him to a seat on the newly created United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, created by 9 Stat. 131. Confirmed by the Senate on March 3, 1847, he received his commission on March 3, 1847.