Written by Samantha C Sinclair
Source WTSP.com
In 1539, Spanish Conquest Hernando Soto and his soldiers set out from Cuba. His group set up camp at what is now known as The Capital Of Tallahassee Florida. According to archeology and other documentary evidence they spent the first known Christmas in America in this spot in the Sunshine State.
Christmas of 1539 is not as we know it today. No gifts, songs, or other celebration happened. It is believed a traditional Catholic Mass was observed, as there were 12 Catholic Priests in the group. There was a large feast. This was thanks to the large amount of beans and maize left behind when previous Individuals were ran out by the Spanish.
The reason camp was set up here was because of the fast approaching winter.
Soto brought with him 600 soldiers, slaves, craftsmen, and explorers.
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