Tampa Bay Community: History of Tampa

History of Tampa

The 16th Century was the the first time Europeans explored, what is now known today as, Hillsborough County. Spanish conquistadors, Panfilo de Narvaez and Hernando DeSoto, came in search of gold. What they did find were the Tocobagan Indians. Many battles were fought and finally, it took its toll on Panfilo de Narvaez. Hernando DeSoto extensively explored the region and met with resistance from the Seminole Indians. The Americans took possession of Hillsborough County in 1821.When the railroad passed through the county in 1885, Spanish and Cuban cigar workers moved their families and businesses to Tampa. This was the start of one of the largest industries in the area. In 1898, The American Army was highly involved in the Spanish-American War. Led by Teddy Roosevelt, what was know as "The Rough Riders" passed through Tampa on their way to invade Cuba.

Import/Export in Tampa

Hillsborough County started to grow, rapidly in population and industry. Foreigners and tourists started to visit the county on a regular basis. The counties' resources, primarily made up of cigars, cattle, citrus, and phosphate fertilizer started being widely distributed.

Tampa’s Latin Influence

Tampa has a diverse mix of different cultures and it also has a large community of Latin Americans that add a nice flavor to this beautiful city. In the Latin communities there are food markets that sell many kinds of delicious Latin food and ingredients to make Latin dishes. A favorite spanish meal in Tampa is Spanish rice, black beans , roasted pork and plantains. There are many restaurants that sell this spicy meal and it is enjoyed by many residents. Over all Tampa hosts a rich diverse culture for all planning a visit to the West Coast of Florida.