Photos by Jeff Greenberg

On July 17, 1821 the Kingdom of Spain formally handed over the territory of Florida to the United States government.  The Onis-Adams Treaty (also known as the Florida Purchase Treaty) had been signed by the two countries in February 1819 and became effective in February 1821.  The formal transfer happened at Plaza Ferdinand VII in Pensacola, Florida.

Statehood would be granted to Florida in 1845 and since then the state has grown to become the third most populous state and a top tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.  The state boats 1,350 miles of coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal place to sneak away for some much-needed sunshine during the winter.  It’s iconic destinations – Miami Beach, the Florida Keys, Disney World and Universal Theme Park in Orlando and Everglades National Park – draw millions of visitors year round.

UIG is fortunate to work with Miami Beach-based photographer Jeff Greenberg, a prolific editorial photographer whose collection highlights the beauty, culture, natural history, and industry of Florida.  From the Panhandle to Key West, Jeff’s terrific collection offers comprehensive coverage of the Sunshine State.

Sources

All photos Jeff Greenberg \ UIG

The U.S. acquires Spanish Florida, History.com Editors, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-u-s-acquires-spanish-florida 

Florida, Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors, https://www.britannica.com/place/Florida/History