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In 2003, Governor Jeb Bush declared January Florida Jewish History Month to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans to Florida’s culture, history, and heritage. Researchers have found evidence that suggests Jews arrived in St. Augustine with Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, putting them amongst the first settlers.
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine’s food culture has a rich and diverse history — with Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Minorcan, and other influences over the past 455 years.
St. Augustine’s architecture and streets named after famous explorers provide daily evidence of the Spanish influence in America’s oldest city. When Spain sent its fleet, they also delivered the Roman Catholic tradition to the New World’s shores.
When you’re visiting the Nation’s Oldest City, you’re bound to hear a few ghost stories. Here, we’ll give you a rundown of the history of some of our historic cemeteries plus a tale or two of people you may encounter on your nightly stroll.