Old photo's from the "Oldest City". St. Augustine in Florida is the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. (These old poor quality photo's are from the dark ages, my honeymoon back in 1972, taken with a little Instamatic then scanned).
There is so much to see and do here in this beautiful city. Spanish influence is most apparent as you tour the city. Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon first came ashore here in 1513. Though the word here has broad meaning. The exact location really isn't known, but thought to be in this area. He didn't come with a mission to make a settlement, rather his mission was to explore. The area wasn't well thought of, poor land, infested with insects and alligators, humid uncomfortable weather and hurricanes. Ponce de Leon continued on to other places in his explorations.
French Huguenots attempted to colonize the area in 1562, unsuccessfully as they ran out of food and pulled out. The French tried again in 1564 with a larger more well equipment group that included women. Trouble between France and Spanish ensued. I could tell you more about how Menendez rooted out the Spanish, was imprisoned and.......but, instead let me suggest that you schedule a trip to this fascinating city and find out first hand.
A wonderful place for families with beaches to enjoy, parks for those traveling with pets, Lighthouses to explore, Missions, Museums, and lets not forget the Fort. Ft Mantanzas is a National Monument, all children love cannons. History truly comes alive in St. Augustine.
As we continued on up the coast we spotted Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. This lighthouse is 175 feet tall, the tallest in all of Florida. It's located between St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral Light. Though it's history began in 1835, that structure was in a slightly different location, and was burned down during one of The Seminole Wars. The newer structure was constructed in 1883 and in 1998 was noted as a National Historic Landmark.
I have never been to Saint Augustine, but it looks like a great place to visit. Definitely something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIsn't is amazing how photography equipment has changed since the '70s?
Two years ago my husband and I started visiting Florida several times a year. We have not been to St. Augustine yet, but it looks glorious. We will definitely out this on our list. Thanks for the photos and great background.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to St. Augustine but I think I would really enjoy a visit. It's now on my list!
ReplyDeleteWe went to St. Augustine on our honeymoon many, many years ago but I would love to visit again one day! Thanks for the informational post!
ReplyDeleteI Sandy. I dropped in today, but I was on the run. St. Augustine is one of my favorite places. I was just there a couple weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteThis sound like a mighty fun place. The light house looks so cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd look- a park for pets! Come on my friends- tell your pawrents to take ya there! Lets meet!
Thank you Sandy for taking the time to find a park for us!
xoxoox
tweedles
Hey Sandy,
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say, "Thank you very much for missing me." I am very touched that someone actually missed my presence on the web. I truly mean that my friend! We were in Knoxville visiting with our daughter and family before they move down to Georgia.
St. Augustine is one of our most popular places to visit. We haven't been there is a long time but our daughter is moving closer to us and I think we will make it one of our first vacation spots with her and her family. Thanks again for sharing your life and travels with all of us. Have a GREAT weekend!
Friends 4 Life!
Have heard from many friends what a great place this is to visit! We've been to tons of places in FL, but have not actually toured St. Augustine ~ think we'll put it on our travel list! Thanks for stopping by and inquiring - you are so sweet! Have been traveling and visiting parents and kids most of the month and know I need to get back up to speed with blogging and my website!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post. I didn't know anyone survived in Florida for more than an hour before the invention of air conditioning lol!
ReplyDeleteAmazing snaps.lovely place to visit
ReplyDeleteIf you had read my blog before you would have realized Coco has Lymphoma. We are very protective of her. I live in Florida where there are a lot of bugs. That is the main reason we use a stroller not to mention protection from dogs and other predators. We play laser light and fetch all the time to give our animals the exercise they need inside.
ReplyDeleteSorry if I sounded snippy before. Thanks for stopping by my site again:)
ReplyDeletewow. those old settlement reminds me of the oldest jail in malaysia. it's located in the middle of the city and it's so worn out.
ReplyDeleteMy dad first took us to St.Augustine in the late 60's. I have been going back ever since. Even though I have seen and been everywhere many, many times, this is a place that still takes your breath away as you cross the bridge on A1A. It is just the most stunning city I have ever been to. The history. It is all around you. Market Street is my favorite place to be. The sightseeing train is the way to see St.Augustine. The marina is so spectacular to be around or out on. May I recommend The Conch House for lunch. You can eat under a tiki hut right on the water. They also have rooms, a pool, and a marina next door. It is on the right on A1A just before crossing the bridge to St.Augustine. I am also a Florida travel blogger. This is a great blog. All the best to you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great place to visit. I don't think I've ever been there.
ReplyDeleteI loved the history:D sounded similar to some Spanish architecture in the Philippines:D and Juan Ponce de Leon is part of our Phil. history too...
ReplyDeleteI love your instamatic photo's. I think I still have a few of those packed away some where. Thanks for sharing this trip. I would love to visit a lot of the places you talk about, but since we can't right now this is great to see the things you've seen through your camera.
ReplyDeleteI love St. Augustine. There is a campground there right near the light house. It's perfect for tent camping right near the beach.
ReplyDeleteI loved visiting in St. Augustine. So many different things to do: sitesee, nature, history!
ReplyDeletebeen there with my Parent some time back .Looks the same today in your photo. Love the memories. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have never been to St. Augustine but I think I would really enjoy a visit
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post. I didn't know anyone survived in Florida for more than an hour before the invention of air conditioning
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to check out St Augustine! Great post - thanks!
ReplyDeleteFound you through Harriet's blog.
I didn't realize that St. Augustine has a history that goes way back to 1513 when Juan Ponce de Leon landed. So, Florida isn't all beaches and disneyland after all......
ReplyDeleteI have been going to St. Augustine since 1969. It is the one of my favorite places to visit in Florida. I've seen the sights many times. I've been on the sightseeing train many times. I've driven over the old Bridge of Lions many times. I've walked down Market Street many times. And you know what? It is still a treat and a thrill. This city is just the best. Come into St. Augustine on A1A from the south. The best drive ever along most of the coast. I hope you can see my travel blogs also. Thanks for the venue and all the best.
ReplyDeleteWe loved St Augustine, it was a highlight of our Dixie roadtrip, especially the helicopter ride! Without doubt one of America's loveliest small towns. I enjoyed the antique feel of your old photos, it reminds me how timeless the place felt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great blog on one of my favorite places. Thanks also for making me think--even if just for a second--that 1972 was, in fact, the dark ages. It made me feel young this morning!
ReplyDeleteBeen there. Love the history of the area. Of course hot whether and I aren't great friends, but it's a beautiful place nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote about it for Houghton Mifflin a few years back.