Jonathan Dickinson: podcast appearances and interviews

Jonathan Dickinson (1663–1722) was a merchant from Port Royal, Jamaica, known for surviving a shipwreck in 1696 on the southeast coast of Florida. During the incident, Dickinson and his family, along with other passengers and crew, were held captive by Native Americans for several days. They endured harassment and physical abuse during the subsequent 230-mile journey by boat and on foot to Saint Augustine, with five members of the party succumbing to exposure and starvation. The Spanish authorities in Saint Augustine treated the survivors well and facilitated their transfer by canoe to Charles Town, laying the groundwork for their eventual return to Philadelphia. Following his arduous escape, Dickinson reached Philadelphia, where he thrived and became a prominent figure in the community. He served as Mayor of Philadelphia twice, in 1712 to 1713 and again from 1717 to 1719, demonstrating his significant role in the colonial city’s development.