Potano

The Relation of Nicholas Burgoignon

1591 Floridae Americae Provinciae Map

Nicholas Burgoignon, brought to England by Sir Francis Drake, recounts details from his six years in Florida. He describes several powerful caciques and mentions a wealthy city called La grand Copal, rich in precious gems. Burgoignon notes the importance of trade goods like hatchets and cotton for accessing these resources. He reports observations of Native Americans with gold adornments and the production of valuable sassafras. Despite Spanish interest in exploring these riches, the King has denied their requests, fearing competition from the English and French.

Potano Indians

The Potano Indians inhabited present-day Alachua County and were first noted as a province visited by De Soto in 1539. Engaged in conflicts with the Utina, they received varying support from French and Spanish colonists. Missionary efforts began in 1606, leading to their conversion. The Potano faced significant population declines due to warfare and disease, with estimates of around 3,000 individuals in 1650. By the early 18th century, their separate identity diminished as they assimilated into the broader Timucua group.