St. Augustine, Florida - The Oldest City in America

Florida Resort Destination BW Oceanfront Jacksonville Jacksonville St. Augustine History Jacksonville Attractions

St. Augustine carries the distinction of be being the oldest permanently occupied European settlement in the United States. Prior to Spanish rule in 1565, this stretch of land along the Atlantic Ocean was inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. Spanish admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his large group of settlers and soldiers spotted the land on St. Augustine’s Feast Day and thus the city’s name was derived. Spain ruled St. Augustine until 1763 and again from 1784 - 1821 before turning power over to the United States.

St. Augustine the Resort Destination.

In the 1880s, Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler discovered St. Augustine while honeymooning with his second wife. He was immediately enamored with the city’s quiet, serene beauty. Flagler’s vision for a winter playground for East Coast society quickly came to fruition. He established three opulent hotels, including the Ponce de Leon Hotel that is now occupied by Flagler College. Flagler also established neighborhoods, a hospital, churches, and other businesses throughout St. Augustine. Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway was founded to transport wealthy vacationers to the resort town.  [Top]

St. Augustine History - Castillo de San Marcos.

St. Augustine’s most famous historical landmark is the Castillo de San Marcos. The giant fort, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, was constructed of coquina, an indigenous shellstone quarried from nearby Anastasia Island. Numerous attempts by British forces to conquer the Castillo and overtake St. Augustine proved fruitless. The British finally gained control of St. Augustine in a land trade with Spain in 1763. After a series of other New World territory swaps, the Castillo became U.S. property in 1821. Castillo de San Marcos served as an important fortification and also a war-time prison until it was designated a national monument in 1900.  [Top]

Attractions in St. Augustine, Florida.

St. Augustine today is a bustling tourist town with activities and attractions to entice the whole family. Visit historical landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marco and the living history Spanish Quarter Village of 1740. Shop till you drop at locally-owned boutiques and nationally recognized stores. Experience Florida’s thrilling wildlife on a kayak tour along saltwater marshes, tiny islands, and oyster beds. Your choices are endless when it comes to fun in St. Augustine.

Check out our Weekend Getaway Package for dicounted rates.  [Top]