OUR HISTORY

The History of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, established in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, is recognized as the oldest European-founded city in the continental U.S. It was a vital Spanish military and trade outpost that faced numerous attacks, including a raid by Sir Francis Drake in 1586 and sieges by the British in the 1700s. The Castillo de San Marcos, a defensive stone fortress completed in 1695, remains an enduring emblem of its colonial past.

Control of St. Augustine shifted from Spanish to British hands in 1763 after the Treaty of Paris and back to Spain in 1783 before becoming part of the U.S. in 1821. The late 19th century saw a significant transformation under Henry Flagler, who developed luxury hotels and railways, establishing St. Augustine as a premier resort city. Today, it’s celebrated for its blend of historic sites, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.