By Vickie Ferguson
Facts About St. Augustine, Florida
Juan Ponce de Leon was the first Spanish explorer to discover Florida's coast in 1513. For many years thereafter, the area was embroiled in bitter battles and territorial disputes among the Spanish, English and French, which all claimed rights to the new world property. Today, St. Augustine is a favored travel destination, rich in history and old world charm.
History
St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the continental United States, established in 1565 by Pedro Menendez under contract to King Phillip of Spain.
Sightseeing Tours
Narrated sightseeing tours of the old city district and St. Augustine Village are available by carriage or the Old Town Trolley. Guided horseback riding tours of the beach, boat cruises and special ghost tours of the haunted hotels and the lighthouse are additional points of interest.
Museums
Several museums located in St. Augustine include the 200-year-old St. Augustine Schoolhouse built of wood, the interactive Old Florida Museum and the Colonial Spanish Quarter that serves as a living history museum.
Historical Sites
The Castillo de San Marcos, listed as a National Monument, is the oldest fortress in the United States, and the Gonzalez-Alvarez house, built in the 1700s, is a National Historic Landmark. Both are open for tours.
Fun Fact
Stories about ghosts inhabiting locations throughout the oldest city include the Casablanca Inn circa 1914, St. Augustine Lighthouse circa 1871 and the St. Francis Inn circa 1791.
Resources
About the Author:
Ferguson began freelancing in 1998 and hasn't put the pen down since. Her editorial stints have included working as a reviewer, managing editor and senior managing editor. She writes for several websites and covers a range of topics, including travel guides, gardening, home decor, crafts, pets and wildlife. Ferguson specializes in flower craft articles and has worked in the flower craft business for some time.
Photo Credits:
John Boyer
