The oldest cities in the United States tell an intriguing story about the historical events that led to the formation of this mighty nation. Many of these towns date back to before the formation of the country in 1776. They were founded by various European powers such as the British and French, who left behind traces of their identity in these cities in the form of art, architecture and culture, all tourists welcome to these centers of American history. This article takes a look at 7 of these old American cities and what they have to offer:
Saint Augustine, Florida (1565)
The oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States of European and African descent is St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565. The Spanish established the first permanent settlement in the country in St. Augustine 42 years before the English built Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. Juan Ponce de Leon originally found the city in 1513 while searching for the Fountain of Youth. St. Augustine has evolved over the past 450 years, moving from a fledgling European settlement and violent military outpost to Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age in the late 1800s. The historic city now prides itself on being a thriving art and music center in Florida. Attractions in St. Augustine include Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Anastasia State Park and Spanish-style architecture.
Jamestown, Virginia (1607)
Three ships, the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant, set sail for Virginia on December 6, 1606. To establish a settlement, 104 English men and boys traveled to North America in 1607. They decided to establish themselves in Jamestown, Virginia, which was founded on May 14, 1607, and was named after their king, James I. The settlement gave England its first foray into the European race for the New World, which had been dominated by the Spanish since the explorations of Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century. Jamestown Island still has a private home on it even though it is now a historic landmark. In order for tourists to understand the significance of Jamestown and what resulted in it being the first permanent English settlement in North America, it is protected by the Virginia National Park and Preserve. Attractions in Jamestown include Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Rediscovery, Williamsburg Winery, Memorial Church, Jamestown Island, Jamestown Glasshouse and Powhatan Indian Village.
Santa Fe, New Mexico (1610)
In addition to being the oldest city in New Mexico, Santa Fe is also the oldest state capital in the United States. Don Pedro de Peralta, the conquistador, founded Santa Fe in 1609–1610. after being briefly settled in 1607. In fact, General Stephen Watts Kearny’s capture of Santa Fe during the Mexican-American War in 1846 made it the first foreign capital the United States ever claimed. Spain made it clear that it planned to settle permanently in New Mexico by building Santa Fe. To see also : The Music Commission is calling on the Council to expedite the activation of the Live Music Fund. It was the first settlement that was exclusively Spanish. Today, Santa Fe is a thriving capital city and is known for its Spanish Territorial architecture. The top attractions in Santa Fe are the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, New Mexico Museum of Art, Museum of Indian Art & Culture, Governor’s Palace, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis and Santa Fe Plaza.
Hampton, Virginia (1610)
The first continuous English-speaking community, the first free public school in the United States, and the first NASA astronauts were educated in Hampton, which was founded in 1610. Explorers in 1607 led by Captain Christopher Newport, who originally founded Jamestown as an English colonial settlement, gave the name Old Point Comfort to the town. Fort Monroe was located there for almost 400 years. After American independence, it developed into a significant military base. On the same subject : Arts in the Park Continues to Bring Arts and Cultural Performances to Bandshell This Summer. Fort Monroe in Hampton remained under Union control throughout the Civil War despite Virginia serving as the Confederate capital. Joint Base Langley-Eustis is currently located in the city, which is also close to Naval Station Norfolk across the river. Hampton attractions include Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Fort Monroe Casemate Museum, Hampton Historical Museum, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Buckroe Beach and Park, and Grandview Nature Preserve.
Albany, New York (1614)
With the construction of Fort Nassau in 1614, Dutch fur traders created the first settlement in present-day Albany, New York. The second oldest chartered city in the US, Albany was first claimed by Henry Hudson for the Dutch in 1609 and became a city in 1686. When the English captured it in 1664, they changed the name to honor the Duke of Albany. It was strategically important during the colonial period due to its location at the center of Hudson River navigation. To see also : Paper Factory builds up some of the county’s recent real estate sales. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, its economic role increased significantly. Albany was declared the capital of New York State in 1797. Since that time, Albany has served as a center for international trade, railroads, and banking. Albany attractions include the Schuyler Mansion Historic Site, the USS Slater, Washington Park, the Albany Center Gallery, Historic Cherry Hill, the Opal Gallery, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620)
Plymouth, also known as “America’s Hometown,” occupies a significant place in American history, folklore, and society. The Mayflower Pilgrims, passengers on the famous Mayflower ship, founded the first settlement in New England in Plymouth in 1620. A number of important events took place in the city, and the first Thanksgiving was one of the most important. The original Plymouth Colony is now a living museum recreating the historic seventeenth century hamlet. Plymouth attractions include the Plimoth Patuxet Museum, Plymouth Rock, Myles Standish State Forest, Pilgrim Hall Museum, National Ancestral Monument, and the Art Complex Museum.
Weymouth, Massachusetts (1622)
Wessaguscus Plantation, founded in 1622 by London merchant Thomas Weston, served as the starting point for the earliest expeditions across Massachusetts Bay. In 1635 the name of the town was changed to Weymouth. It is named after the English seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, which is the second oldest settlement in Massachusetts after Plymouth. Although Weymouth is now part of the Boston metropolitan area, it was only Massachusetts’ second permanent European settlement when it was founded in 1622. Attractions in Weymouth include Webb Memorial State Park, Grape Island, Great Esker Park, Bare Cove Park, Abigail Adams State Park, and Pond Park Meadow.
The historical old villages and shopping centers mentioned above are today thriving modern cities that provide tourists with tons of activities, fantastic dining experiences and much more. Visit renowned museums and science centers, enjoy some of the best works of art on display in the country, and treat your taste buds to regional delicacies. So be sure to explore these historic cities.
