Discover The Oldest City In The United States

Written by Lev Baker
Updated: May 30, 2023
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From the earliest days of colonial settlement to the present, the oldest cities in the U.S. have been at the forefront of American history, playing host to some of the most important events and figures in our nation’s past. This goes, too, for the oldest inhabited city in the United States, St. Augustine.

As you read on, you’ll discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the oldest city in the United States. From the first settlers who built the city to the events and people that shaped it, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how St. Augustine, Florida, played a vital role in the formation and development of the United States.

So, buckle up and get ready to journey through time as we explore the oldest city in the United States.

The Oldest City In The United States

St. Augustine in Florida

The oldest city in the United States is St. Augustine.

©Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com

Welcome to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. It was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. As such, this coastal gem has a rich history that spans over 450 years.

From its early days as a Spanish colony to its role in the Civil War and beyond, St. Augustine has played a significant role in shaping American history.

With its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque waterfront, it’s no wonder St. Augustine is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Whether you’re interested in history and architecture or just looking for a picturesque place to relax, St. Augustine won’t disappoint.

History Of St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida

As the oldest inhabited city in the U.S., St. Augustine has a rich history.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Let’s dive deep down into the history of St. Augustine.

Native Americans

Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence that the Timucua people, a group of Native American people, settled in the region from Central Florida to Southwest Georgia around 2400 B.C. These tribes were not united politically. They shared a common language and culture, though. They engaged in trade and sometimes conflicted with one another.

Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the Timucua people lived in the region of Florida. There, St. Augustine was eventually built. They relied on fishing, hunting, and farming, growing crops such as squash, corn, and beans.

Spanish Settlement

Spain had a long history of trying to establish a colony in Florida. For nearly 50 years, all of their attempts had ended in failure.

In 1564, a group of French Huguenots established a colony and a fort near the St. Johns River. That is now Jacksonville.

As the Spanish empire expanded its reach in Central and South America, it became increasingly reliant on the Gulf Stream to transport its precious cargo of gold and silver back to Spain. However, the French fort and colony posed a grave risk.

In response, the Spanish government appointed Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, one of their most skilled admirals, to lead a voyage to Florida and remove the French threat to Spanish interests.

On September 8, 1565, a fleet of 600 voyagers led by the daring Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés made landfall in Florida. The day was particularly fortuitous as it happened to be the feast day of St. Augustine. In honor of the occasion, Menéndez decided to name the new settlement after the saint. 

His mission was clear: to remove the French threat and establish Spanish dominance over the northeastern coast of Florida. With a combination of military prowess and good fortune, Menéndez was able to accomplish this feat. 

St. Augustine was not only a military stronghold to defend Spanish dominance in Florida. It was also a launching point for Catholic missionary endeavors to spread throughout the Southeastern part of North America.

St. Augustine — A Military Colony

Maintaining the survival of St. Augustine as a settled colony was no easy feat. The town’s early settlers were faced with constant challenges and obstacles. Their determination and resilience, though, proved vital in ensuring its continued existence. The town was frequently targeted by ruthless English pirates and privateers throughout the following century. 

Tensions between the Spanish and the British increased as the English established colonies in the Carolinas and later in Georgia. In order to protect themselves, the Spanish began fortifying their defenses. Work on the Castillo de San Marcos, a permanent fortress made of stones, began in 1672. It was completed in 1695.

It was a stroke of luck that St. Augustine’s fortifications were ready just in time for a surprise attack by British forces from the Carolinas in 1702. The British laid siege to the fort for an intense two months. The determined Spanish defenders of St. Augustine stood their ground, though, and repelled the invaders. Nevertheless, the British were unable to break through the fort’s defenses and ultimately resorted to burning the town before withdrawing in defeat. 

Treaty of Paris

With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, a new chapter began for St. Augustine. The treaty marked the conclusion of the Indian and French War and ceded control of the entire colony to the British. However, unlike the bloody battles that preceded it, this change of power occurred peacefully. During the American Revolutionary War, St. Augustine remained loyal to the British crown. With that, it served as a haven for those who supported the British cause. 

However, with the second Treaty of Paris in 1783, Spain was rewarded with control of Florida for their aid in America’s war for independence.

When the Spanish returned to St. Augustine, they were met with a surprise. A failed colony in New Smyrna had migrated to St. Augustine in 1777. This group, known as the Minorcans, brought with them their unique culture and heritage from the Mediterranean island of Minorca. Their arrival forever transformed the ethnic composition of the city.

End of the Spanish Era

The Second Spanish Period, spanning from 1784 to 1821, was a challenging time for Spain. It was constantly under threat from Napoleon’s invading forces. 

During this period, the Spanish Empire was struggling to maintain its grip on its colonies in the western hemisphere. Florida, in particular, lost its strategic significance to the empire. Moreover, the constant invasions, revolutions in other countries, and internal structures in mainland Spain resulted in a shift of power and resources away from its colonies. That left Florida to fend for itself.

With the Spanish empire struggling to maintain its hold on the colony, the Americans saw an opportunity to gain control of it. As the U.S. grew in strength and power, it became clear that it was only a matter of time before they set their sights on Florida. The question was not if, but when they would make their move.

The Adams-Onîs Treaty was signed in 1819 and concluded in 1821. It peacefully transferred control of the Spanish colonies of  St. Augustine, including West and East Florida, to the United States.

Florida — U.S. State

United States Map of States and Territories - 1842-1845

Florida was still just a territory in the United States, until March 3, 1845, when it became an official state.

©User:Golbez./Wikimedia Commons – License

For the next quarter century, St. Augustine and the surrounding region of East Florida were under American rule as a territorial possession. It took until 1845 for Florida to officially join the union as a state. This era, known as the Territorial Period, was marred by a fierce conflict with indigenous tribes, specifically the Second Seminole War. That war lasted from 1835 to 1842.

Removal of Native Americans

From 1830 to 1860, more than 60,000 Indigenous Americans were removed from Florida and other southeastern regions of the USA and moved to modern-day Oklahoma. This included members of the Muscogee, Seminole, Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes. This removal is known as the Trail of Tears. It resulted in thousands of deaths and is considered a genocide by many historians.

New Era for St. Augustine

St. Augustine experienced a resurgence of prosperity and elegance 20 years after the Civil War. This was mainly due to the efforts of Henry Flagler, a former partner of John D. Rockefeller. Flagler had the vision to transform the old Spanish town into a luxurious winter resort for wealthy Americans living in colder regions. He utilized his railway company to connect St. Augustine to major cities on the east coast. This made it easily accessible to tourists. 

In 1887, his company began construction on two grand and opulent hotels and later added a third one to the mix. As a result of Flagler’s ambitious development projects, the architectural style of St. Augustine was transformed. This style was soon adopted by other cities in Florida.

For a time, St. Augustine was the top winter tourist destination in the United States.

400th Anniversary and Restoration

In 1965, St. Augustine celebrated its 400th anniversary with a grand restoration project in partnership with the State of Florida. This project, which began 30 years prior, aimed to preserve and rebuild the remaining colonial-era buildings in the city. 

The project was referred to as the “Restoration.” It saved 36 existing colonial buildings and reconstruct an additional 40 that had been lost over time. This gave the historic center of St. Augustine a whole new look.

St. Augustine Today

St. Augustine, Florida

Today, St. Augustine continues to be a fascinating place.

©iStock.com/felixmizioznikov

St. Augustine continues to be a vibrant and fascinating destination for visitors. Known for its rich history and picturesque colonial architecture, the city has seamlessly blended its past with the present. 

The historic district, with its cobblestone streets and Spanish-style buildings, is a living museum of sorts, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Visitors can stroll down St. George Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

But St. Augustine is not just about its history; it also offers an array of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Beautiful beaches, state parks, and nature preserves surround the city. They offer a wide range of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. For those looking for a little more adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for airboat rides, ghost tours, and even hot-air balloon rides.

The oldest city in the USA has a rich and complicated history and is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places to see in North America, so if you are in Florida, make sure to stop by St. Augustine!

Where Is St. Augustine Located On A Map?

St. Augustine, in St. Johns County, is located on the northeast coast of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean and is 40 miles southeast of Jacksonville and 122 miles northeast of Orlando.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few of the other oldest historical cities in the USA.

Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown is a popular tourist destination today.

©John Couture/Shutterstock.com

While not a continuously inhabited city like St. Augustine, Jamestown is technically the second-oldest city in the United States and the location of the first permanent English colony in North America. It was founded in 1607, faced difficulties in its early years, and was briefly abandoned in 1610. It served as the colonial capital until 1698. After the Civil War, most of the original settlement fell into ruin, but preservation efforts began in the early 1900s. 

In 1936, it was designated as a national park and was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 to celebrate its 400th anniversary. Today, it is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, showcasing the site of the first permanent English colony in North America.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Distinguishing Santa Fe is the fact that it is the oldest U.S. state capital.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, holds a unique place in American history as the oldest state capital and oldest city in the state. The area has been inhabited for centuries, long before the arrival of Spanish colonists in 1607. The Indigenous people of the region had built a Pueblo village as early as 900 AD in what is now downtown Santa Fe. 

However, the Spanish rule was briefly interrupted by the indigenous people’s rebellion which lasted from 1680 to 1692 but was eventually put down.

In 1810, Mexico declared its independence from Spain, and Santa Fe became part of the Texan Republic. After the Mexican-American War in 1848, Santa Fe and present-day New Mexico became part of the United States. Today, Santa Fe is known for its thriving culture, a beautiful blend of Spanish Territorial style and Puebla architecture, and its rich history. Santa Fe is also near natural sites such as Taos ski resort and fantastic hiking trails in Sangre De Cristo Mountains.

Hampton, Virginia

View of Hampton, Virginia, Downtown Waterfront

The same group of settlers who established Jamestown founded Hampton, which was originally Point Comfort.

©littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock.com

Hampton, Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the early days of English colonization in North America. The city, which began as Point Comfort, was established by the same group of settlers who founded nearby Jamestown. Its strategic location at the mouth of the James River and the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay made it a key military outpost.

After American Independence, Hampton played a crucial role as a major military base, and during the Civil War, it was a significant location for the Union Army. Despite Virginia being the capital of the Confederacy, Fort Monroe in Hampton remained under Union control throughout the conflict. Today, the city is home to Joint Base Langley–Eustis and is situated across the river from the Norfolk Naval Station.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Lev is a writer at AZ Animals who primarily covers topics on animals, geography, and plants. He has been writing for more than 4 years and loves researching topics and learning new things. His three biggest loves in the world are music, travel, and animals. He has his diving license and loves sea creatures. His favorite animal in the world is the manta ray.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the oldest city in the USA?

The oldest city in the USA is St. Augustine, Florida, which was founded in 1565.

When is the best time to visit St. Augustine?

St Augustine, Florida, has good weather all year round. But the best time to visit the city is between March and June when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists in the city.

Are there alligators in St. Augustine?

There are alligators all over St. Augustine, Florida, you can see them in swamps, lakes and rivers in various parks and nature areas around the city. However, don’t worry! They rarely attack humans.

Why is St. Augustine called St. Augustine?

When the Spanish officially formed the colony of St. Augustine, it was the saint’s feast day, so the city was named after Saint Augustine.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.