What is the history of St Augustine?
The history of St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the continental United States, began in 1565 when it was founded by the Spanish admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.
What was the first European settlement in Florida?
St. Augustine, Florida was founded by Spanish explorers long before Jamestown and the Plymouth Colony. Even before Jamestown or the Plymouth Colony, the oldest permanent European settlement in what is now the United States was founded in September 1565 by a Spanish soldier named Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in St. Augustine, Florida.
Is St Augustine a city or a town?
St. Augustine (/ ˈɔːɡəsˌtiːn / Spanish: San Agustín) is a city in the Southeastern United States, 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.
What happened to the Spanish settlers in St Augustine?
Consequently, on June 6, 1586, English privateer Sir Francis Drake raided St. Augustine, burning it and driving surviving Spanish settlers into the wilderness. However, lacking sufficient forces or authority to establish an English settlement, Drake left the area.
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What country settled in St. Augustine?
SpanishForty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.
Which countries controlled St. Augustine?
Augustine. 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....St. Augustine San Agustín (Spanish)WebsiteCity of St. Augustine32 more rows
Where was the Spanish settlement of St. Augustine?
On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed on the shore of what is now called Matanzas Bay and began the founding of the Presidio of San Agustin. Later the settlement would be called St. Augustine, Florida.
Why did the Spanish settle St. Augustine?
The city was to serve important functions for the Spanish Empire, defending the primary trade route to Europe along the Atlantic Ocean's main west to east current, called the Gulf Stream. As the territorial capital, St. Augustine would also defend the Spanish-claimed land against invasion.
Who settled in America first?
Five hundred years before Columbus, a daring band of Vikings led by Leif Eriksson set foot in North America and established a settlement.
Who were the first settlers in Florida?
Written records about life in Florida began with the arrival of the Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce de León in 1513. Sometime between April 2 and April 8, Ponce de León waded ashore on the northeast coast of Florida, possibly near present-day St.
Which state was first settled by Spain?
In 1493, during his second voyage, Columbus founded Isabela, the first permanent Spanish settlement in the New World, on Hispaniola.
Where did the French settle in America?
New France, French Nouvelle-France, (1534–1763), the French colonies of continental North America, initially embracing the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Newfoundland, and Acadia (Nova Scotia) but gradually expanding to include much of the Great Lakes region and parts of the trans-Appalachian West.
Who colonized St. Augustine?
Pedro Menéndez de AvilésSt. Augustine, Florida was founded by Spanish explorers long before Jamestown and the Plymouth Colony. Even before Jamestown or the Plymouth Colony, the oldest permanent European settlement in what is now the United States was founded in September 1565 by a Spanish soldier named Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in St.
Is St. Augustine the oldest city in America?
St. Augustine, founded in September 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain, is the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the United States – more commonly called the "Nation's Oldest City."
Why is St. Augustine important to African American history?
African Americans established the first legally-sanctioned free black settlement in the U.S. in 1738. Escaped British slaves found freedom in St. Augustine by converting to Catholicism and joining the Spanish in defending their territory.
Why did Spain colonize Florida?
The Spanish explorer was searching for the “Fountain of Youth,” a fabled water source that was said to bring eternal youth. Ponce de León named the peninsula he believed to be an island “La Florida” because his discovery came during the time of the Easter feast, or Pascua Florida.
Who was the first French colonizer to colonize Florida?
The French exploration of the area began in 1562, under the command of the Huguenot colonizer, Captain Jean Ribault.
Who was the first European to explore Florida?
The first European known to have explored the coasts of Florida was the Spanish explorer and governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León , who likely ventured in 1513 as far north as the vicinity of the future St. Augustine, naming the peninsula he believed to be an island " La Florida " and claiming it for the Spanish crown. Prior to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565, several earlier attempts at European colonization in what is now Florida were made by both Spain and France, but all failed.
What is the oldest tourist attraction in Florida?
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm , founded in 1893, is one of the oldest commercial tourist attractions in Florida, as is the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, which has been a tourist attraction since around 1902. The city is the eastern terminus of the Old Spanish Trail, a promotional effort of the 1920s linking St. Augustine to San Diego, California, with 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of roadways.
What happened to the Spanish in 1821?
In 1821 the Adams–Onís Treaty peaceably turned the Spanish provinces in Florida and , with them, St. Augustine, over to the United States. There were only three Spanish soldiers stationed there in 1821.
Why did the Spanish not import slaves to Florida?
The Spanish did not import many slaves to Florida for labor, since it was primarily a military outpost without a plantation economy like that of the British colonies. As the British planted settlements south along the Atlantic coast, the Spanish encouraged their slaves to escape for sanctuary in Florida. If the fugitives converted to Catholicism and swore allegiance to the king of Spain, they would be given freedom, arms, and supplies. Moving southward on the coast from the northern colonies, the British founded Charleston in 1670 and Savannah in 1733. In response, Spanish Governor Manual de Montiano in 1738 established the first legally recognized free community of ex-slaves, known as Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose, to serve as a defensive outpost two miles north of St. Augustine.
Where did Moultrie plant his land?
Moultrie was granted large tracts of land in the St. Augustine vicinity, upon which he established a plantation he called "Bella Vista." He owned another 2,000-acre (8.1 km 2) plantation in the Tomoka River basin named "Rosetta". While acting as the lieutenant governor, he lived in the Peck House on St. George Street.
When did Florida secede from the Union?
In 1861, the American Civil War began; Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. On January 7, 1861 , prior to Florida's formal secession, a local militia unit, the St. Augustine Blues, took possession of St. Augustine's military facilities, including Fort Marion and the St. Francis Barracks, from the lone Union ordnance sergeant on duty. On March 11, 1862, crew from the USS Wabash reoccupied the city for the United States government without opposition. It remained under Union control for the remainder of the war. In 1865, Florida rejoined the United States.
What was the Spanish attempt to settle Florida?
In the following half century, the government of Spain launched no less than six expeditions attempting to settle Florida; all failed. In 1564 French Huguenots (Protestants) succeeded in establishing a fort and colony near the mouth of the St. Johns River at what is today Jacksonville. This settlement posed a threat to the Spanish fleets that sailed the Gulf Stream beside the east coast of Florida, carrying treasure from Central and South America to Spain. As Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was assembling a fleet for an expedition to Florida, the French intrusion upon lands claimed by Spain was discovered. King Philip II instructed Menéndez, Spain's most capable admiral, to remove the French menace to Spain's interests.
What island did the Spanish settle on in 1784?
Upon their return, the Spanish in 1784 found that St. Augustine had changed. Settlers from a failed colony in New Smyrna (south of St. Augustine) had moved to St. Augustine in 1777. This group, known collectively as Minorcans, included settlers from the western Mediterranean island of Minorca.
What was the name of the city that was freed by the Confederacy?
In 1861, the Civil War began. Florida joined the Confederacy, but Union troops loyal to the United States Government quickly occupied St. Augustine and remained in control of the city throughout the four-year long war. St. Augustine was thus one of the few places in the United States where Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1862, actually freed any slaves. After the war, land was leased to freed slaves on what was then the west bank of Maria Sanchez Creek. Initially called Africa, the settlement later became Lincolnville and is today listed in the National Register of Historic Places, along with three other historic districts in the city.
What was the name of the coast of Florida that Ponce de Leon claimed for the Spanish crown?
Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for the Spanish Crown and named it Florida after the Easter season, known in Spanish as Pascua Florida.
What was the name of the town in the early twentieth century?
Newport of the South. In the early twentieth century, however, the very rich found other parts of Florida to which they could escape. With them fled Flagler's dream of turning St. Augustine into the "Newport of the South.". St. Augustine nevertheless remained a tourist town.
What treaty gave Florida independence?
A second Treaty of Paris (1783), which gave America's colonies north of Florida their independence, returned Florida to Spain, a reward for Spanish assistance to the Americans in their war against England. Upon their return, the Spanish in 1784 found that St. Augustine had changed.
When did Florida become a state?
For the next twenty-four years, East Florida and with it St. Augustine remained a territorial possession of the United States. Not until 1845 was Florida accepted into the union as a state. The Territorial Period (1821-1845) was marked by an intense war with native Indians, the so-called Second Seminole War (1835-1842).
What was the name of the colony that was established by slaves who escaped into Florida?
Augustine for the growing Free Black community established by fugitive slaves who had escaped into Florida from the Thirteen Colonies. This new community, Fort Mose , would serve as a military outpost and buffer for St. Augustine, as the men accepted into Fort Mose had enlisted in the colonial militia and converted to Catholicism in exchange for their freedom.
What did the Spanish do to the French outpost of Fort Caroline?
In 1565, however, the Spanish decided to destroy the French outpost of Fort Caroline, located in what is now Jacksonville. The crown approached Menéndez to fit out an expedition to Florida on the condition that he explore and settle the region as King Philip's adelantado, and eliminate the Huguenot French, whom the Catholic Spanish considered to be dangerous heretics.
What was the name of the state that the United States acquired in 1821?
According to the Adams–Onís Treaty, the United States acquired East Florida and absolved Spain of $5 million of debt. Spain renounced all claims to West Florida and the Oregon Country. Andrew Jackson returned to Florida in 1821, upon ratification of the treaty, and established a new territorial government. Americans from older plantation societies of Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas began to move to the area. West Florida was quickly consolidated with East and the new capital of Florida became Tallahassee, halfway between the old capitals of St. Augustine and Pensacola, in 1824.
What was the name of the colony that was attacked by the Spanish in 1609?
Augustine against the English colony at Jamestown. In the second half of the 17th century, groups of Indians from the colony of Carolina conducted raids into Florida and killed the Franciscan priests who served at the Catholic missions. Requests by successive governors of the province to strengthen the presidio ’s garrison and fortifications were ignored by the Spanish Crown which had other priorities in its vast empire. The charter of 1663 for the new Province of Carolina, issued by King Charles II of England, was revised in 1665, claiming lands as far southward as 29 degrees north latitude, about 65 miles south of the existing settlement at St. Augustine.
What was the Spanish war in Florida?
During the Second Spanish period (1784–1821) of Florida, Spain was dealing with invasions of the Iberian peninsula by Napoleon 's armies in the Peninsular War , and struggled to maintain a tenuous hold on its territories in the western hemisphere as revolution swept South America. The royal administration of Florida was neglected, as the province had long been regarded as an unprofitable backwater by the Crown. The United States, however, considered Florida vital to its political and military interests as it expanded its territory in North America, and maneuvered by sometimes clandestine means to acquire it. The Adams–Onís Treaty, negotiated in 1819 and ratified in 1821, ceded Florida and St. Augustine, still its capital at the time, to the United States.
What was the name of the treaty that gave Florida back to Spain?
The 1783 Treaty of Paris, which recognized the independence of the Thirteen Colonies as the United States, ceded Florida back to Spain and returned the Bahamas to Britain. As a result, some of the town's Spanish residents returned to St Augustine.
When did Florida join the Confederacy?
Slave Market, St. Augustine, Florida in 1886. Florida joined the Confederacy after the Civil War began in 1861, and Confederate authorities remained in control of St. Augustine for fourteen months, although it was barely defended. The Union conducted a blockade of shipping.
What was the oldest settlement in the United States?
By the time Jamestown, Virginia was settled, St. Augustine, Florida was already 42 years old. The rich history of America’s oldest settlement. The first European settlement in the United States? That title often erroneously goes to Jamestown, Virginia, the first British permanent settlement, founded in 1607.
Where was the first British settlement?
That title often erroneously goes to Jamestown, Virginia, the first British permanent settlement, founded in 1607. Yet by the time Jamestown was founded, the oldest city in what is now the U.S., St. Augustine, Florida, in the northeast corner of the state, was already 42 years old. The story of that settlement provides American history ...
What culture did Florida have?
Excavations under the town conducted by the University of Florida revealed artifacts indicating its emergence as a multi-cultural settlement, with roots in Spanish, Native American, and African culture, a microcosm of what would later develop into the wider culture of the United States.
Overview
In search of the legendary Fountain of Youth, Juan Ponce de León (1460-1521) landed on the shores of present-day northern Florida on Easter, March 27, 1513. He claimed the territory for his native Spain, but did not leave a lasting settlement at his point of first contact.
Background
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (1519-1574) was commissioned by King Philip II of Spain to resecure Spanish possessions near present-day Jacksonville. In July of 1565 Menéndez de Avilés led a fleet of 11 ships and 1,900 men to Florida. On August 28, the Feast of St. Augustine, he entered a bay near the delta of the St. Johns River.
Impact
Though St. Augustine was precariously close to borders with rival colonies, the ongoing struggle among the Spanish, French, British, and later the Americans, for dominion over the area were due mainly to the town's prized location on shipping and trade routes. The Atlantic currents near St.
Further Reading
Landers, Jane G., and Peter H. Wood. Black Society inSpanish Florida. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1999.
Who claimed Florida for Spain?
Menéndez claimed Florida for Spain in the name of King Phillip II. By royal decree, he was to push out the French colonists, establish Spain's exclusive claim of North America by building a military outpost, and set up a string of Catholic missions along the Florida coast. Learn more about the Timucua.
What was the name of the French colony that Ribault established?
Ribault later sailed further north and established a small French colony called Charlesfort before returning to France. Three years later, Ribault was dispatched once again with a fleet of seven ships in an effort to strengthen the Floridian colony. Read a brief biography of. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.
What treaty gave the United States Spain's Florida colonies?
At the same time, Americans were quickly expanding the United States and saw Florida as a desirable addition. They succeeded in 1821 with The Adams-Onis Treaty, which peaceably gave the United States Spain's Florida colonies, including St. Augustine.
Where did the Ribault expedition land?
Ribault's expedition reached the Florida coast in late April. Sailing north along the Florida coast, the expedition landed on the St. Johns River near present-day Jacksonville where they befriended the local Timucua.
Where is Jean Ribault's monument?
Each of them failed. The Jean Ribault monument and plaque. is located on St. Johns Bluff near. Jacksonville, Florida. In 1562, French Captain Jean Ribault was commissioned to lead an effort to explore northern Florida. Ribault's expedition reached the Florida coast in late April.
When did Florida become a state?
After a 24-year period of territorial warfare, Florida was finally admitted to the Union as a state in 1845. Today, evidence of the first Spanish Colonial Period is still prominent in the unique architecture and layout of St. Augustine. The narrow streets and balconies on the houses reflect a strong Spanish influence.
Who was the first European to explore the southern part of the North American continent?
Spanish explorer Ponce de León , the first governor of the island of Puerto Rico, was the first European to explore the southern part of the North American continent in 1513. He claimed the land for Spain and named it La Florida, meaning "Land of Flowers.".
Where did the slaves come from in Florida?
When the Spanish conquistador Menendez arrived, not only were there Black slaves and members of his crew, but he noted that his arrival had been preceded by free Africans in the French settlement at Fort Caroline, just a few miles north. During the 16th and 17th centuries, St. Augustine was the center of the slave trade in Spanish colonial Florida, a distinction that continued through the early 1800s. "The Spanish Crown was one of the largest slaveholders, workers on the defense works," said St. Augustine historian Susan R. Parker. And, though many of the records from that period are lost, documents from the Catholic Church reveal slavery's deep roots in North Florida's history. In 1606, before the founding of Jamestown, Va., the first documented slave birth was recorded in St. Augustine. Agustin was baptized in the Catholic faith. He was the son of Agustin and Francisca, both Black and listed as slaves in church baptismal records.
Who brought slaves to Florida?
British residents coming to Florida from the Carolinas and Georgia brought slaves with them to work in the fields. Florida's British Gov. James Grant had African slaves but Lt. Gov. John Moultrie, Schafer said, had third-, fourth- and fifth-generation slaves born in America.
When did the Spanish take over Florida?
The second Spanish occupation continued until 1821 when Spain transferred Florida to the United States. The slave culture in St. Augustine expanded because it not only included the slaves who returned with Spanish owners in 1784 but it still had some from the British period, African born and American born.
Where did slavery originate?
And, though many of the records from that period are lost, documents from the Catholic Church reveal slavery's deep roots in North Florida' s history. In 1606, before the founding of Jamestown, Va., the first documented slave birth was recorded in St. Augustine. Agustin was baptized in the Catholic faith.
Did Spain ban the slave trade?
The slave trading business was changing worldwide as European countries and the American colonies started banning the importation of African slaves. Spain did not . "You have Liverpool, a center for the slave trade and all these ships from Africa there and suddenly, there is a ban," Schafer said. "So they pack up and head for (ports in) ...
Was Francisca a slave?
He was the son of Agustin and Francisca, both Black and listed as slaves in church baptismal records. Church documents from what is called the First Spanish Period, 1565 to 1763, were taken from St. Augustine to Cuba in 1763 when the British occupied Florida. Some records were lost.
Overview
St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the continental United States, was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. The Spanish Crown issued an asiento to Menéndez, signed by King Philip II on March 20, 1565, granting him various titles, including that of adelantado of Florida, and expansive privileges to exploit the lands in the vast territory of Spanish Florida, called La Florida by the Spaniards. This c…
Early exploration and attempts at settlement
The first European known to have explored the coasts of Florida was the Spanish explorer and governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León, who likely ventured in 1513 as far north as the vicinity of the future St. Augustine, naming the peninsula he believed to be an island "La Florida" and claiming it for the Spanish crown. Prior to the founding of St. Augustine in 1565, several earlier at…
Founding
Pedro Menéndez's ships first sighted land on August 28, 1565, the feast day of St. Augustine of Hippo. In honor of the patron saint of his home town of Avilés, he named his colony's settlement San Agustín. The Spanish sailed through the inlet into Matanzas Bay and disembarked near the Timucua town of Seloy on September 6. Menéndez's immediate goal was to quickly construct fortificatio…
Spanish period
St. Augustine was intended to be a base for further colonial expansion across what is now the southeastern United States, but such efforts were hampered by apathy and hostility on the part of the Native Americans towards becoming Spanish subjects. The Saturiwa, one of the two principal chiefdoms in the area, remained openly hostile. In 1566, the Saturiwa burned St. Augustine and the se…
British period
In 1763, the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years' War. Spain ceded Florida and St. Augustine to the British, in exchange for the British relinquishing control of occupied Havana. With the change of government, most of the Spanish Floridians and many freedmen departed from St. Augustine for Cuba. Only a few remained to handle unsold property and settle affairs.
James Grant was appointed the first governor of East Florida. He served from 1764 until 1771, w…
Second Spanish period
The Treaty of Paris in 1783 gave the American colonies north of Florida their independence, and ceded Florida to Spain in recognition of Spanish efforts on behalf of the American colonies during the war.
On September 3, 1783, by Treaty of Paris, Britain also signed separate agreements with France and Spain. In the treaty with Spain, the colonies of We…
American period
Spain ceded Florida to the United States in the 1819 Adams–Onís Treaty, ratified in 1821; Florida officially became a U.S. possession as the Florida Territory in 1822. Andrew Jackson, a future president, was appointed its military governor and then succeeded by William Pope Duval, who was appointed territorial governor in April 1822. Florida gained statehood in 1845.
Flagler era
Henry Flagler, a partner with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil, arrived in St. Augustine in the 1880s. He was the driving force behind turning the city into a winter resort for the wealthy northern elite. Flagler bought a number of local railroads and incorporated them into the Florida East Coast Railway, which built its headquarters in St. Augustine.
Overview
St. Augustine is a city in the Southeastern United States, 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.
St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro M…
History
Founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the contiguous United States. It is the second-oldest continuously inhabited city of European origin in United States territory after San Juan, Puerto Rico (founded in 1521). In 1560, King Philip II of Spain appointed Menéndez as Captain Genera…
Geography and climate
St. Augustine is located at 29°53′41″N 81°18′52″W / 29.89472°N 81.31444°W (29.8946910, −81.3145170). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.7 square miles (27.8 km ), 8.4 square miles (21.7 km ) of which is land and 2.4 square miles (6.1 km ) (21.99%) is water. Access to the Atlantic Ocean is via the St. Augustine Inlet of the Matanzas River.
Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 12,975 people, 5,743 households, and 2,679 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,376.2 people per square mile (531/km ). There were 6,978 housing units at an average density of 549.4 per square mile (211.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 84.2% white, 11.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or
Government and politics
St. Augustine is the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida.
The city of St. Augustine operates under a city commission government form with an elected mayor, vice mayor, and city commission. Additionally, the government includes a city manager, city attorney, city clerk, and various city boards.
Points of interest
• Avero House
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Fort Matanzas National Monument
• Fort Mose Historic State Park
Education
Primary and secondary education in St. Augustine is overseen by the St. Johns County School District.
There are four zoned elementary schools with sections of the city limits in their attendance boundaries: John A. Crookshank (outside the city limits), R. B. Hunt, Ketterlinus, and Osceola (outside the city limits). There are two zoned middle schools (both outside the city limits): R. J. …
Notable people
• Andrew Anderson, physician, St. Augustine mayor
• Jorge Biassou, Haitian revolutionary and black Spanish general
• Richard Boone, actor
• James Branch Cabell, novelist