What was the everglades like 100 years ago?

A century ago, the Everglades was a vast, pristine landscape characterized by a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and dense hardwood swamps. It was home to a rich variety of wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, and panthers, and played a crucial role in the hydrology of southern Florida. The area was relatively untouched by human development, serving as a vital natural resource for indigenous peoples and a rich habitat for flora and fauna. However, this unique environment began to face significant threats from agricultural expansion and urban development in the decades that followed.