In Heartland Living Magazine
Long before fireworks lit the skies over Polk City, Sebring, Lake Wales, Arcadia, Okeechobee and Clewiston, the Florida Heartland was already part of America’s story.
These ranchlands, lakes, oak hammocks and pioneer towns were once frontier territory shaped by conflict, survival, patriotism and perseverance. While many Americans think the Revolutionary War happened only in the original 13 Colonies, historians say Florida played an important—and often overlooked—role in the nation’s fight for independence.
Today, 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the Heartland are preparing to celebrate America 250 with hometown festivals, patriotic concerts, historical exhibits, parades and fireworks honoring the people and traditions that helped shape both Florida and the nation.
“It’s important to remember that battles were fought in Florida, too, in the fight for America’s independence—not just in the 13 Colonies,” said David Head, associate lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida.
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