Three years after the 1821 purchase of Florida from Spain, Fort Brooke became the first permanent, modern settlement on the site of present-day Tampa, and a new life began for settlers on Floridas rich gulf coast. By 1855, it was incorporated as the city of Tampa. Continuing its rich, diverse, cultural, and ethnic heritage, Tampa has become the nations 54th-largest metropolitan community. Its abundant history is uniquely told with a leisurely stroll through the citys historic cemeteries. Oaklawn Cemetery, Tampas first public burial ground, was created in 1850 when Tampa had only 500...