Caribbean Outpost - Spanish Fishing Ranchos Established

As early as the mid-1600s, Spanish fishing ranchos first appeared along the Florida coast. By 1770, at least thirty ships actively engaged in fishing operations off the west coast of Florida. The Spanish settled in villages or ranchos during the fishing season. The ranchos consisted of palmetto huts, where the fishermen slept and ate. They served as processing areas where the fish were cleaned, salted, and dried.

The early ranchos were generally not permanent settlements. After each fishing season ended, the fishermen would return to Havana with fish prepared for the Cuban market. The fishermen had frequent contact with the local Indians. The Indians of Florida had a long tradition of trading with the various European ships that frequented the Gulf coast, and the fishermen often provided them transport to Havana for trade and diplomatic contacts.

By the 1790s, many fishermen established permanent ranchos that were home to a diverse group of Cubans, escaped slaves, Seminoles, Creeks, Mikasukis, and other Indians. Many fishermen who settled permanently in the area married Seminole women; these marriages were legally recognized in Cuba, and many of the children were taken to Havana for baptism and schooling.

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