What is the oldest city in the United States? Colonization What is the oldest city in the United States?
The oldest city St Augustine, Florida September 8, 1565
St. Augustine In 1513 – Ponce de Leon landed there, but did not stay Fountain of Youth Pedro Menendez de Aviles About 70 men – married Native Americans Brought diseases – small pox. Measles
St. Augustine In 1586 Sir Francis Drake, a pirate, attacked the city The city built “Castillo de San Marcos” a fort for protection – still stands today.
“Castillo de San Marcos” Defended the primary trade route to England along the Atlantic Ocean. Defended against invasion
“Castillo de San Marcos” Originally made of wood New one made of shell stone Walls 30 feet high & 12 feet thick Surrounded by a moat
“Castillo de San Marcos”
“Castillo de San Marcos” Plundered by Sir Francis Drake A refuge for Loyalists Used as a prison Battle site during the American Civil war 1933- became a National Park
St. Augustine 1819 – Spain ceded Florida to the US Now – a small city of about 15,000