Cultural History

As the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine holds a unique place in American history. The city's European heritage dates from 1565, with the initial encampment by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and his men at a large coastal Timucuan Indian village under the domain of the cacique, Seloy. 

Native American Groups

What is not often considered, however, is that prior to its European legacy, Native American groups had inhabited the area since the end of the Paleo-Indian Period, circa 10,000 years ago. Since 1987, the City has discovered and investigated various aspects associated with its cultural heritage that was previously unknown.