A Tale To Tell From Paradise Itself , George Bancroft\u27s Letters from Florida, March 1855

Although the development of Florida as a resort for wealthy northern vacationers saw a product of the post-Civil War era, the decade preceding the war was the beginning of a modest influx of travelers, particularly to the northeast region which bordered on the St. Johns River and its tributaries. The subtropical climate, which proved to have a beneficial effect on those suffering mainly with chronic respiratory and bronchial ailments, lured the invalid, while the variety of bird and animal life attracted the hunters. In addition, there were the inveterate travelers-those disposed to adventure or goaded by curiosity as to customs and mores --who came and were usually captivated