Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 239, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1917 — Oldest American City. [ARTICLE]

Oldest American City.

The first permanent European settlement In the United, States was founded September 8, 1565. Menendez de Aviles had arrived on the coast of Florida on St. Augustine’s day in that year, and accordingly he gave the name of that saint to the city he founded. The founding was accompanied by much pomp and display. Accompanied by his chaplain, arrayed in rich sacerdotal robes, Menendez went ashore, followed by numerous ecclesiastics and “gentlemen,” while flags waved, cannons roared, drums beat and trumpets sounded. Menendez planted the royal standard in the sands, beside which the chaplain placed the large cross he had carried. With such consecration Menendez laid the foundation of the -city of St. Augustine. Only a human sacrifice was needed to give the city a

proper start, so the Spaniards sallied forth and stew Jean Hi haul t and his company of French Huguenots. St. Ailgustine now has a population of about 6,000 and Is known chiefly as a winter resort. t s