The Role of Africans in La Florida

The movement of people in Florida’s early times strongly affected its development from the 16^th century forward. As previously mentioned, Spaniards, of course with the authorization of the crown, were the first Europeans to take ahold of this land. But, interestingly, Ponce de Leon’s initial expedition was actually more diverse than many would suspect. His journey across the Atlantic included a handful of free Africans, an uncommon concept in a larger historical context. In fact, the first known slaves to land in La Florida would not arrive until 1526 via Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon’s journey. Their work extended far beyond toiling in Floridian heat on plantations. Many African men exerted themselves in mines and makeshift construction sites or spent time as translators. Though enslaved, these individuals received more credit and general respect than later servants. Spaniards treated these people with a level of decency, as opposed to dehumanizing them as settlers of Jamestown and Charleston would do. The arrival of Africans in early Florida meant the arrival of production, settlement, and forward progress.

With these African slaves came education and ability. Along with their labor as fishers and hunters, these slaves would often tend to the fields, growing the likes of maize and sugarcane. A population of free and enslaved African men and women were a driving force on La Florida’s northeastern cost, eventually leading to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565. One should note, though, the enslaved who worked in Florida’s early times were often skilled, and not just standard farmhands. Unlike the traditional 19^th century chattel slavery that modern-day Americans tend to imagine, these workers were known to be architects and carpenters. Some enslaved men would be responsible for constructing many of St. Augustine’s homes and churches. Others, such as the well-known Juanillo, served as translators between Spanish settlers and the local Native Americans. Enslaved women also contributed to the city, spending much of their time tending to fields, providing domestic service, and weaving. Larry E. Rivers says it best in Slavery in Florida: Territorial Days to Emancipation: “The word slave could easily mislead in the case of these individuals” (Rivers, 2). He writes that Spanish settlers viewed African workers more as “skilled artisans” and less as property. Because of their contributions, Africans living in 16^th century Florida enjoyed a fairly relaxed racial environment with a role more closely related to second-class citizen than to slave. It appears as though this Spanish moral stand continues centuries later. After Spain later battled English settlers, they chose to free runaway slaves from the rivaling colonies. All in all, it is clear to see that Spaniards viewed Africans in a much different light than other Europeans, treating them with a degree of respect.

The movement of more and more Spaniards, who typically brought along a considerable number of laborers, affected La Florida by converting it from a canvas of new land to a respectable civilization. This occurred much at the expense of experienced Africans, both free and enslaved, to not only provide hard labor in fields, but also through skillful labor as well. Their labor was the first stepping stone in Florida’s eventful history.

Sources:

https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2019/08/29/before-1619-africans-and-the-early-history-of-spanish-colonial-florida-and-america-column/

Rivers, Larry E. Slavery in Florida: Territorial Days to Emancipation. University Press of Florida, 2009.