Both Spanish and British explorers were attracted by the South eastern area of North America by its wealth in natural resources.
As early as 1421, returning Spanish adventurer Juan ponce de leon landed near the area of Charlotte harbor, Florida hoping to settle along with other 200 people. Although his attempt was pushed back by native indian attacks, he continued to think and speak of the place as a convenient one for missionaries and treasure seekers to settle.
Approximately 165 years later, after several other attemps of European colonization, sir Francis Drake from England would destroy the Spanish settlement of St. Agustin soon later to be rebuilt as the capital of British east Florida. This town was envisioned by English settlers to welcome families from Britain who would use such rich land for crops and exports.
Both British and Spanish explorers seeked to exploit the area of southeastern North America for natural resources.
