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What is the oldest city in the United States? This one was established in the 16th century


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Many events led to the nation’s beginnings like the establishment of Roanoke colony in 1585, Jamestown in 1607 and pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620, according to Smithsonian Magazine. However, none of these formed the first permanent settlement in the United States.

Going back in time, it is intriguing to learn how the U.S. came to be. For one, it is not an ancient nation. As far as countries go, nations like China, India, Egypt, Greece and Italy precede the U.S.

Spain and Portugal were the first European countries to begin colonizing the Americas, which included North, Central and South America, according to Britannica.

What is the oldest city in the United States?

In the 16th century, the Spanish established their settlement in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, it took the title of the nation’s oldest occupied city till date, according to the Smithsonian Magazine.

According to the Library of Congress, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed in today’s Matanzas Bay on September 8, 1565, and began the founding of the Presidio of San Agustin or St. Augustine, Florida.

Built on the site of an ancient Native American village, St. Augustine has been continuously inhabited since its founding. The oldest city was ruled by the Spanish for 256 years and the British for 20 more.

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