The Spanish Conquistadors left cattle, horses and hogs in Florida roaming free when they left (the Spaniards gave up on the God forbidden place). Galleons from the 1500-1700 era which wrecked here managed to contribute as well. The first American settlers to brave the jungles of Florida became known as Florida Crackers. It is believed they got this nickname because the use of whips was essential to their survival. They would kill squirrels and rabbits, gather wild cattle, pop rattlesnakes etc. The cracking of a whip hence "cracker". The horses they managed to capture (with the help of Seminole Indians) and the cattle roaming freely that sustained them also captured the name. The original Florida crackers were thought to have a few loose screws in their heads for even coming here. They probably did.