“If I were to possess a fortune of one million Ducados or more, I would spend the entire amount on this Florida Enterprise” (Menendez). Hispanic Americans have played key roles in shaping, influencing, and laying a foundation for the present day state of Florida despite racial discrimination, and suffering from derogatory stereotypes. Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (1519-1574) developed modern day florida in a myriad of ways, for Florida wouldn’t have once been a Spanish territory if not for the influence of Pedro Menendez. Menendez developed Florida by building what is now the oldest Florida settlement, and by governing Florida while also claiming it for Spain. As a young boy Menendez grew up by the sea, with a longing to set sail and travel beyond his horizons. Being one of 20 siblings, he knew he’d have little inheritance so he decided to earn his livelihood as a seaman. At age 14 …show more content…
Once he claimed the State of Florida for Spain, he needed to insure that Florida did not leave Spanish dominion. Moreover, to do so “he began to explore and to establish outposts up and down the Atlantic coast. In 1566, Menendez had watchtowers built at Cape Canaveral and Biscayne Bay” (Winkelman). He was a determined leader who fought for the State of Florida, was a phenomenal role model, and is an icon of dignity and pride. Retrospectively, Hispanic Americans have played a large role in shaping Florida, and creating the rich, dense history of the cultural paradigm that is present-day Florida. Pedro Menendez de Aviles is a quintessential example of someone who has used dedication and audacity to overcome hardships and develop the state of Florida. Harriet Beecher Stowe once said “It is as though some little… Spanish town had broken loose, floated over here, and got stranded on a sand bank,” and that it