When the Southern States seceded, Florida went with them.  In 1864, General Seymour led 7,000 troops nearly as far as Lake City.  Jacksonville remained under Federal control, but the State fortunately escaped being made a battle-ground to any extent between the opposing forces.

Florida has a very interesting geological record.  It was evidently founded on coral reefs, and the formations are so recent that few minerals are found.  Phosphate rock is one of the most remarkable natural productions of the State, and the actual value of this has not yet been thoroughly ascertained.  The State itself is naturally divided into two sections, the East and the West.  East Florida includes a long peninsula, and extends westward to the Suwanee River, concerning which the negro melodist delights to sing.  Western Florida is more inland in character.  The measurements of the State are peculiar.  Thus it is 700 miles from the Perdido River to Cape Sable.  From the Atlantic to the extreme west the distance is about 400 miles, and from north to south the distance is slightly greater.  The peninsula itself averages rather less than 100 miles in width throughout.  Florida naturally possesses an enormous coast line.  Of this nearly 500 miles is on the Atlantic seaboard, with some 700 miles on the Gulf of Mexico.  Harbors abound on every side, and when Florida becomes a manufacturing State as well as a fruit-growing one, its resources for exporting will be an immense advantage to it in overcoming competition and opposition.

This coast line makes sea fishing one of the most profitable occupations in the State.  About 10,000 men are kept constantly employed in this work.  Some of the fish found here are choice and costly delicacies, and include red snapper, pompano, Spanish mackerel and sea trout.  Of turtle there is an abundance, and tarpon fishing provides amusement to those who are more strictly sportsmanlike in disposition.  Fishing for sponges is also a fairly remunerative occupation, which always excites much interest when watched by visitors from other States.  Key West alone sends away sponges worth $500,000 every year, two great capitals of Europe being the best customers.

Key West is, however, better noted for its cigars.  It is situated on what was originally called Bone Reef by the Spaniards, on account of great quantities of human bones being found on it by the early explorers.  Eighty years ago, a number of New England fishermen located at Key West, which is about sixty miles from Florida proper and about ninety miles from Havana.  The great revolution in the nature of the town’s business and habits was brought about by the settlement in it, less than a quarter century ago, of a large band of Cuban exiles.  These brought with them the secrets of the manufacture of cigars of the highest grade.  They at once set about establishing factories as large as their means allowed, and the business has grown so rapidly that there are now facilities for manufacturing nearly 150,000,000 cigars every year.  To the man who appreciates the difference between good and bad cigars it is hardly necessary to say that in quality, as well as quantity, the product of this Spanish-American island has progressed.