Florida has transformed from being known as a mysterious swampland to a thriving world economy. The history of our nation and state has been marked by wars and periods of unrest. 

Considered one of the longest and most expensive wars in U.S. history, the Seminole Wars affected the South Florida economy drastically. Most people in the region fled to Key West, Indian Key and Tampa to settle. 

The map above, acquired by HistoryMiami during the 2001 Miami International Map Fair, depicts Florida and the undeveloped nature of the interior of central and South Florida. The “Map of the Seat of War in Florida” is by Capt. John MacKay and Lieut. J. E. Blake. It was done in 1839. (HistoryMiami catalog number 2001-216-1.) 

Visit the 22nd Annual Miami International Map Fair on Feb. 6-8 and you can learn more about cartography, plus view, examine and trade old maps. For more information about HistoryMiami, please visit www.historymiami.org. ?