America’s Oldest Colony: The Story of St. Augustine

America’s Oldest Colony: The Story of St. Augustine — page 1
The Old City St Augustine Florida is the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States Many historians believe that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was the first European to visit the area in 1513 Spanish military leader Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St Augustine on September 8th 1565 King Philip II of Spain had sent Menéndez to establish a colony and drive out the French settlers in the area This was 42 years before the English founded the Jamestown colony It was 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock St Augustine served as a Spanish outpost for 200 years Today the city is a popular spot for tourists to visit Popular sites include the Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College Many who live there call it The Old City