Florida: So named by Ponce de Leon, a Spanish navigator, in honor of his discovery of the land on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1513, which is called by Spaniards Pascua Florida, "Holy Day of Flowers." He chose this name for two reasons: First, because the country presented a pleasant aspect; and, second, because he landed on the festival referred to. The second reason is generally considered to have more weight.

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