Whether you’re a transplant or a native, there is plenty about South Florida’s history that you probably don’t know. Here are some interesting facts about South Florida’s colorful history.

Ponce De Leon May Not Have Been the First to Discover Florida

Prior to Ponce de Leon’s famous discovery of Florida, there existed two ancient maps which showcased South Florida’s geographic existence and verified that others had discovered Florida prior to Ponce de Leon’s arrival. It was, however, Ponce de Leon’s discovery that led to verification that this land actually existed. The land had been, like other regions of the United States, inhabited by native indigenous people.

Florida Houses the Nation’s Oldest City

St. Augustine, settled by Europeans in 1565, is commonly called the nation’s oldest city.

A Great Place for Birding

The Great Florida Birding Trail is a statewide network of 510 wildlife viewing sites found along a flyway for migrating birds.

Florida Houses the Country’s Largest Wetland Area

The Florida Everglades, containing 1.5 million acres of sawgrass, marshes, mangrove forests, hardwood hammocks and wetlands, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

The Theme Park Capital

Florida is the theme park epicenter of the world. All of the titans of family entertainment are here -- Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Busch Gardens.

Orlando attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States.

Seven of the 10 most visited theme parks are in Florida.