On this day in the Sunshine State ...


1825 President John Quincy Adams confirmed the selection of Pensacola as the site for the construction of a United States Navy Yard.


1838 Florida’s first constitutional convention opened today at St. Joseph [near present-day Port St. Joe].  Fifty-six representatives from Florida’s 20 counties gathered to write a constitution in anticipation of statehood.  The convention lasted until January 11, 1839.  Interestingly, the document drafted by these men prohibited bank officers, clergymen, and duelists from being elected to the Legislature, governor’s office, or United States Senator.  The convention’s efforts were for naught, since statehood would be delayed for another six years.  When Florida became a state on March 3, 1845, the document drafted at St. Joseph served as the basis for the first state constitution.


1863 Governor John Milton signed the legislative bill today incorporating the Monticello and Thomasville railroad Company.


1963 The St. Lucie County Historical Commission was created at Fort Pierce today.