St. Augustine - St. George Street

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A Short History of St. Augustine

In 1565, Pedro Menendez arrived to create a permanent settlement to cement Spain's claim to Florida by Ponce de Leon in 1513. With 700 soldiers and colonists, the city was founded on a peninsula bordered on the east and south by Matananzas Bay and River and on the west by the San Sebastian river, a strong defensive location. The city has been continually occupied since 1565, making it the oldest European settlement in North America.

In 1763, after Spain's defeat in the Seven Years War, Florida became a Brtitish territory. However, Florida was returned to Spain in 1783 as part of treaty ending the American Revolution. Spain was unable to manage the colony and in 1821 it became an American territory.

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St. George Street is the "main drag" of the historic district. Here you will find shops, restaurants and yes...even some "history." But don't let that interfere with your having a good time! <g>


Open to the public at certain hours, the historic Hugenot cemetary is adjacent to the visitor center.		Just past the cemetary, the old city gates lead onto St. George.		St. George Street


Another St. George view		Don't miss the Columbia restaurant		Interior view of the Columbia


The oldest schoolhouse is not from the area - it was transported to St. Augustine from another state.		Tourist trams travel the historic area with day long "off and on" rights.