"An excellent and thorough introduction to Florida’s maritime history, geography, and economics."—Jerald T. Milanich, curator in archaeology, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville

The first maritime atlas of Florida offers a generously illustrated introduction to 13,000 years of Florida maritime history and geography, from dugout canoes to modern-day maritime travel and industry.
The atlas begins with an overview of Florida’s physical environment, including its bathymetry and shoreline, winds, and currents. Subsequent chapters explore the growth of Florida’s maritime industries and survey ship types, lighthouse locations, ports, and navigational hazards like hurricanes and reefs.
The atlas also gives an overview of the thousands of shipwreck sites in Florida waters, only a handful of which are known to the public. Maps and text explain the many factors that have influenced navigation and losses at sea from prehistoric times to the present. The book is a useful guide for anyone interested in Florida history, shipwrecks, and public access to our state’s vast underwater archaeological resources.

Roger C. Smith is state underwater archaeologist, Bureau of Archaeological Research, Florida Department of State. James J. Miller is state archaeologist and chief of the Bureau of Archaeological Research, Florida Department of State.

Published in cooperation with the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State

No Sample Chapter Available

Awards
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award - 1998

"a model for future publications aiming to combine geographic, historic, and archaeological data in an examination of regional maritime activity." "an inexpensive and inviting introduction to Florida's maritime heritage." "In terms of both process and product An Atlas of Maritime Florida remains well worth emulating."
--The Northern Mariner/Le Marin du Nord