St Augustine Florida, a Historic City

St Augustine Florida, a Historic City

 St. Augustine Real Estate

The city of Saint Augustine Florida is the oldest city in the US established by the Europeans. Although Ponce de Leon was the first person to visit the city, the first settlement here was established by Menendez de Aviles in August 1565. This happened almost fifty years earlier than the English colonists reached Jamestown. In North America, St. Augustine had become the center of Spanish power. This continued for almost 200 years.

 St. Augustine Foreclosures and Short Sales

The original 100 settlers had to face the same problems that the other settlers had to suffer in early America. They had to face continuous wars with the Native Americans, French and British, numerous plagues, famine and of course hurricanes. The British Empire was expanding and to face this threat, the Spanish, in 1672 built the fortress Castillo de San Marcos to protect themselves while under the supervision of Queen Mariana. The British twice invaded and sacked St. Augustine, but Spanish survived these attacks because of their refuge in Castillo.

 St. Augustine Real Estate

The British again took control of the city in the year 1763. The Spanish was able to return to power in 1784 due to the ‘Treaty of Paris’. The Spanish attempted to restore the city once again to its former glory but their destiny had different path altogether. Florida was sold to America in 1821 and the Spanish were forced to leave. St. Augustine finally started to prosper because of the Seminole War in 1830. After the war better roads were built, the population was on the upswing and commerce increased which resulted in a much higher quality of life.

 St. Augustine Foreclosures and Short Sales

Henry Flagler, an oil tycoon, visited the city in 1883 and was so impressed by it that he decided to develop the city into a winter resort. He invested huge sums of money into the city and the surrounding areas. The city saw some of its grandest architecture due to Henry Flagler such as the Cordova, the Ponce de Leon, and Hotel Alcazar. Hence, the cities climb to national prominence as a superior place to live and visit began.

 St. Augustine Real Estate

Today, St. Augustine is famous for its high quality of life for its residents. This includes the leisure activities for residents and tourists alike including traditional festivals, historic sites, beautiful unspoiled beaches, attractions, shopping and its warm moderate climate. Some tourists visit this historic city to experience the Spanish architecture in Olde City and marvel at Fort Castillo de San Marcos, the Tiffany glass of Flagler College and the breathtaking churches. They experience pleasure from the extensive outdoor leisure activities offered by the city such as snorkeling, canoeing, sailing, biking, kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing, surfing and so much more! They also enjoy the amazing carriage rides, walking and boat tours, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and parks that provide them with a unique, relaxing, and fun-filled holiday experience.

 St. Augustine Foreclosures and Short Sales

St. Augustine today has become the jewel of the Northern Coast of Florida. Rated in the top 10 of places to visit by American Express and to live US News & World Report this city should be on everyone list of “must do’s”!