CCG – Florida has a rich historical background in addition to being well known for its sunny beaches and energetic lifestyle. The state is home to cities that have withstood the test of time, each bearing witness to millennia of human activity, from the northernmost point to the southernmost point.
Top 7 Oldest Cities in Florida
Come along with us as we set out to discover Florida’s seven oldest cities, where history coexists with contemporary living.
1. St. Augustine
Founded: 1565
Known as: The Ancient City
As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, St. Augustine is proudly nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With its cobblestone alleys, centuries-old architecture, and famous sights like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, this historic gem—founded by Spanish explorers in 1565—exudes old-world charm.
2. Pensacola
Founded: 1559
Known as: The City of Five Flags
Pensacola, with roots in Spanish colonization in the sixteenth century, is a city rich in marine history and a mosaic of cultures.
The city’s colorful facades may be seen throughout its historic downtown area, and sites like Fort Barrancas and the Pensacola Naval Air Station provide insight into its illustrious history as a key military installation.
3. Fernandina Beach
Founded: 1562 (as Santa Maria)
Known as: The Isle of Eight Flags
Nestled on the scenic Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is unique in that it is the only American city to have flown eight different flags in its history.
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As tourists stroll through the city’s picturesque streets, which are adorned with Victorian-era buildings and oaks covered in moss, they can feel the city’s rich history, which spans from Spanish and French rule to British and Confederate occupation.
4. St. Petersburg
Founded: 1888 (incorporated)
Known as: The Sunshine City
St. Petersburg is one of the oldest cities in Florida, however not quite as old as some of its peers. The Salvador Dali Museum, a plethora of historic neighborhoods, beautiful waterfront parks, and other cultural attractions have made this energetic coastal community—founded in the late 19th century—earn the moniker “The Sunshine City.”
5. The Tampa
Founded: 1824
Known as: The Cigar City
Tampa has rich historical roots dating back to the early 1800s when it was a thriving hub for Cuban cigar manufacturing. This rich legacy is being preserved today in the city’s historic Ybor City neighborhood, which features a bustling street scene, converted cigar manufacturers into museums, and brilliant murals that highlight the region’s ethnic past.
6. Key West
Founded (incorporated): 1822
Known as: The Conch Republic
With its colorful history and picturesque island environment, Key West entices visitors with a wealth of maritime legend and laid-back charm.
The city’s history is as varied as its people, ranging from its time as a refuge for wreckers and pirates to its involvement in the Cuban cigar trade. Explore famous locations like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or just stroll down Duval Street and take in the island atmosphere.
7. Apalachicola
Established: 1831
Known as: The World’s Oyster Capital
Tucked away on Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” Apalachicola is a sleepy fishing village steeped in history. Its booming seafood business has earned the city the title of “Oyster Capital of the World,” even though it was once a busy port for lumber and cotton supplies.
Take a stroll along the coastline, pay a visit to the John Gorrie Museum State Park, and savor freshly caught oysters from the surrounding Apalachicola Bay.
Conclusively
Let us take a moment to honor these timeless gems—the oldest cities that are still contributing to the rich heritage of the Sunshine State—as we travel through the state’s sun-drenched landscapes.
We find remnants of the past that serve as a constant reminder of the enduring spirit of those who came before us in their lively neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, and historic sites.
