Founded by Pedro Menèndez de Avilès on August 28,1565, St. Augustine was the first permanent Spanish settlement in the United States, as well as the first permanent European settlement. In its early history, the settlement was a target for pirates. In 1586, the famed British pirate Sir Francis Drake attacked and burned it to the ground. In 1668, the rebuilt settlement was once again destroyed by pirates. In 1740, forces from the colony of Georgia, led by James Oglethorpe, attempted to lay siege to the city. Today, St. Augustine is a popular tourist destination. Several Spanish colonial-era buildings still exist in the city. It is the oldest city in the nation. |
