Jungle Prada is a historic site located in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida. It is said to be one of the earliest Spanish landing sites in North America, but how did Jungle Prada get its name? Let’s dive into the history of this fascinating place.
The Legend
According to legend, in 1528, Spanish explorer Panfilo de Narvaez and his crew landed at what is now Jungle Prada. They were greeted by a tribe of Native Americans who lived in the area. The tribe’s chief was named Hirrihigua, and he welcomed Narvaez and his men.
After spending some time with the tribe, Narvaez decided to continue his exploration up the coast. However, before he left, Hirrihigua gave him a gift – a young slave girl named Ulele.
Narvaez eventually made it to Texas but was shipwrecked on Galveston Island. Only four men survived, including Cabeza de Vaca. He later wrote about his experiences with Native Americans along the Gulf Coast and mentioned Ulele as being from “La Florida.”
The Actual History
While the legend is interesting, there is no actual proof that Narvaez landed at Jungle Prada or that Ulele was from there. In fact, it wasn’t until 1521 that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida and claimed it for Spain.
So where did Jungle Prada get its name? It actually comes from a man named Walter P. Fuller who purchased the land in 1923.
Walter P. Fuller
Fuller was a prominent businessman in St. Petersburg and had a keen interest in history. He believed that Jungle Prada was an important historic site and wanted to preserve it for future generations.
Fuller named the property “Jungle Prada” after the Native American village that Narvaez and his crew supposedly encountered. He also built a replica of a Spanish chapel on the property, which is now a popular attraction.
The Legacy
Today, Jungle Prada is a city park and historic site that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is home to the famous “Oriental Monkey Puzzle Tree,” which is over 100 years old and one of only a few in Florida.
Visitors can explore the park, visit the Spanish chapel replica, and learn about the history of this fascinating place. While we may never know for sure if Narvaez landed at Jungle Prada or if Ulele was from there, we can appreciate the efforts of Walter P. Fuller in preserving this important piece of history for future generations.
- So, in conclusion,
- Jungle Prada got its name from Walter P. Fuller
- It was named after the supposed Native American village that Narvaez encountered
- While there is no actual proof that Narvaez landed at Jungle Prada or that Ulele was from there
- Jungle Prada is now a city park and historic site that attracts visitors from all over the world.