Question

What conclusion can be drawn about the exploration and early colonization of Florida based on these place names?

A) Florida was explored and settled by the Dutch.
B) Florida was explored and settled by the French.
Eliminate
C) Florida was explored and settled by the Spanish.
D) Florida was explored and settled by the English.

Answer 1

Assuming the place-names were:

• Altamonte Springs
• Boca Raton
• El Portal
• Punta Gorda

This indicates that Florida was explored and settled by the Spanish (C).

These are very Spanish-sounding names; some of them even mean something in Spanish, like El Portal ("The Portal") or Punta Gorda (the "Fat Peak").

The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore Florida, in an expedition led by Juan Ponce de León in the early sixteenth century. The French followed in 1562, but were expelled by the Spanish three years later.