The Minorcans
The Seldom Told Part of Florida’s History
They came to British East Florida from throughout the Mediterranean in 1768 as indentured servants. Their descendants still live in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Duval County, other areas of Florida and across America.
The Minorcan Experience is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the remarkable history of Florida’s Minorcan colony. Through public events, we celebrate their heritage and invite everyone to discover this little-known chapter of American history.
A New Life in Florida
Farmers, fisherman, and tradespeople, the Minorcans came to Florida in search of a new life full of opportunity.
Promised land and a fresh start, they were brought as indentured laborers to build a colony in New Smyrna, Florida. Things did not go according to plan…
Join The Minorcan Experience as we share the stories of these brave settlers and their descendants.
Telling the Minorcan Story
History lives in the stories we share — and many of those stories are still waiting to be told. If your family has a connection to the Minorcan colony, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also grateful for the financial support of those who believe this history deserves a wider audience. Every contribution helps us share our story.
Our Stories
- Henry Yonge, Jr. to Governor Patrick Tonyn
St. Augustine, May 8, 1777 “Some time past a number of Doctor Turnbull’s people applied to me to redress some grievances they… - The Plant That Started It All
Indigo plants appear as lush, green shrubs, with the ideal time to harvest being just before the flowers open. True indigo (Indigofera… - The Settlers Set Sail
They boarded in Mahon, left for Gibraltar then East Florida in 1768. Number of passengers aboard the ships during the Atlantic crossing.…