Speaker Program on the “French, Spanish and British Years: From Discovery to an Exceptionally American Florida”

The Carrabelle History Museum is proud to present a fascinating speaker program, “French, Spanish and British Years: From Discovery to an Exceptionally American Florida”, featuring Clinton Flowers, Interpretive Aide at the Missouri State Museum. This free program will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET at C-Quarters Marina, 501 St James Ave (Hwy 98), Carrabelle, FL.

Flowers will  discuss the critical events and interactions among France, Spain, and Britain that contributed to the development of the modern State of Florida. The narrative encompasses episodes of conflict, deception, and strategic alliances, while recognizing the enduring legacies of Florida—now celebrated as the “free state of sunshine!”

The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, though not directly including Florida, transformed the young nation and indirectly reshaped Florida’s role. Occurring during a period characterized by exploration, conquest, and expansion, it marked a major enhancement of American power, providing new territory, resources, wealth, and international influence. Once ruled by Spain, then Britain, then the U.S., Florida’s path to statehood reveals a layered history. While many believe Spain made the first permanent settlement at St. Augustine in 1565, the French actually established one earlier in 1562—decades before Jamestown. Divided into East and West Florida, the region remained outside the Continental Congress, yet was deeply entwined with America’s expansion story.

Clinton Flowers works as an Interpretive Aide at the Missouri State Museum, a history and cultural division of Missouri State Parks, in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He has retired from a career as Program Manager in the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Flowers has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. As a certified Interpretive Aide, he provides guided tours and has developed history programs about our nation’s westward expansion, Lewis and Clark, the steamboat industry, and the Louisiana Purchase. In addition, he has been a long-time visitor to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Flowers brings both expertise and personal passion to this talk.