Florida is celebrated for all of its ever-changing attractions, but few people realize how much history can be found in the Sunshine State. Although these places range in age from decades to centuries, they have all shown a remarkable ability to pass the test of time. Looking at these old photographs, you can see how much they have stayed the same over the years and probably will long into the future.
1. Plaza Ferdinand VII, Pensacola, early 1900s
Plaza Ferdinand VII Today
This park dates back to 1815, and it's named after the King of Spain at the time it was built. In 1819, Florida became part of the United States, and Andrew Jackson made a speech here announcing this news and declaring Pensacola the capital. This historic area still looks much like it did even in its earliest photographs.
2. Mai-Kai Restaurant, Fort Lauderdale, Date Unknown
Mai-Kai Restaurant Today
The atmosphere at this longstanding restaurant will transport you to the South Pacific, with tiki torches, a thatched roof, tropical gardens, and Polynesian artifacts, some of which are more than 100-years-old. The restaurant's Polynesian show, The Mai-Kai Islanders Revue, started in 1962, is the longest running show of its kind in the country.
3. Bok Tower, Lake Wales, 1930s
Bok Tower Today
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is one of our prettiest landmarks, with millions of visitors since 1929. The 205-foot fairy-tale tower also holds some of the world's finest carillon bells. To top it off, the tower is surrounded by enchanting gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll
4. Weeki Wachee, Late 1940s
Weeki Wachee Today
The mermaids have been performing at Weeki Wachee since 1947, and it became incredibly popular in the '50s and '60s. They're still mesmerizing us with their underwater shows today, which really have not changed much.
5. St. Augustine, 1893
St. Augustine Today
Most of us know that St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States. Founded as a Spanish settlement in 1565, this is an amazing destination for history buffs and anyone who loves charming, scenic towns. You can still recognize its historic landmarks and streets in old photographs.
6. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, circa 1880
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Today
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was completed in 1860 and remains a beloved iconic landmark today. The lighthouse wasn't painted red until 1910 (due to discoloration), but you can't tell it's any different in old black and white photographs.
7. Main Street USA, Disney World (Magic Kingdom), 1980
Main Street USA Today
This quaint village square at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom was designed to look like a turn-of-the-century town (the early 1900s), a charming street that leads your eye to a view of Cinderella's Castle on the horizon. Although many rides and costumes have changed, if you look at photos from the park's early years, you can see how much this area has remained the same.
8. Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, 1920s
Venetian Pool Today
The Venetian Pool is the country's largest freshwater swimming pool and the only one on the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in the 1920s, in an old rock quarry. Its unique elements recreate the style of Venice, Italy. Bathing suit styles have changed a lot, but this pool really hasn't!
Do you have any other examples of places in Florida that always seem to stay the same, even when so many parts of the state are ever-changing? Let us know in the comments!
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