St. Augustine (/ˈɔːɡəstiːn/ AW-gə-steen; Spanish: San Agustín [san aɣusˈtin]) is a city in and the county seat of St. Johns County located 40 miles (64 km) south of downtown Jacksonville. The city is on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the contiguous United States.
Established September 8, 1565; Founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés Named for Saint Augustine of Hippo
St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida's first governor. He named the settlement San Agustín, for his ships bearing settlers, troops, and supplies from Spain had first sighted land in Florida eleven days earlier on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine.[5] The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years. It was designated as the capital of British East Florida when the colony was established in 1763; Great Britain returned Florida to Spain in 1783. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819, and St. Augustine was designated one of the two alternating capitals of the Florida Territory, the other being Pensacola, upon ratification of the Adams–Onís Treaty in 1821. The Florida National Guard made the city its headquarters that same year. The territorial government moved and made Tallahassee the permanent capital of Florida in 1824.[6] St. Augustine is part of Florida's First Coast region and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Since the late 19th century, St. Augustine's distinctive historical character has made the city a tourist attraction. Castillo de San Marcos, the city's 17th-century Spanish fort—constructed out of the sedimentary rock coquina—continues to...
Read moreIn 1808, this gate was built on the northern side of George Street and is made out of coquina; a form of limestone with shells and mollusks. The main reason for these gates were to protect the residents from enemies/invaders; their town was attacked and burned down before and they didn't want to repeat history. The gates were made to last and it's definitely lasting for hundreds of years so far. It's a historic landmark that you can't miss if you're strolling around town. It's across the street from the cemetery too so you know there are ghostly feels there. Overall, an awesome landmark to see and it sure served...
Read moreBeautiful city! U can feel the history and just try to imagine how people lived and survived back then! If you are a history lover and don’t have the means to go to overseas or put the country you should go there and experience the life! A lot of old buildings and history! Oldest wooden school, Forts, and I plan on going once a year atleast and experience a little more every time. Beautiful beaches also! Spent a lot of time on St Augustine’s beaches! Water a little strong at that time for the little ones...
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