<P> St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida's first governor . He named the settlement "San Agustín", as his ships bearing settlers, troops, and supplies from Spain had first sighted land in Florida eleven days earlier on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine . The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years . It was designated as the capital of British East Florida when the territory briefly changed hands between Spain and Britain . </P> <P> Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819, and St. Augustine was designated the capital of the Florida Territory upon ratification of the Adams - Onís Treaty in 1821 . The Florida National Guard made the city its headquarters that same year . The territorial government moved and made Tallahassee the capital in 1824 . Since the late 19th century, St. Augustine's distinct historical character has made the city a major tourist attraction . </P> <P> Founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the contiguous United States . In 1562, a group of Huguenots led by Jean Ribault arrived in Spanish Florida to establish a colony in the territory claimed by Spain . They explored the mouth of the St. Johns River, calling it la Rivière de Mai (the River May), then sailed northward and established a settlement called Charlesfort at Port Royal Sound in present - day South Carolina . Spain learned of this French expedition through its spies at ports on the Atlantic coast of France . The Huguenot nobleman René de Laudonnière, who had participated in the expedition, returned to Florida in 1564 with three ships and 300 Huguenot colonists . He arrived at the mouth of the River May on June 22, 1564, sailed up it a few miles, and founded Fort Caroline . </P> <P> Desiring to protect its claimed territories in North America against such incursions, the Spanish Crown issued an asiento to Menéndez, signed by King Philip II on March 20, 1565, granting him expansive trade privileges, the power to distribute lands, and licenses to sell 500 slaves, as well as various titles, including that of adelantado of Florida . This contract directed Menéndez to sail for La Florida, reconnoitre it from the Florida Keys to present - day Canada, and report on its coastal features, with a view to establishing a permanent settlement for the defense of the Spanish treasure fleet . He was ordered as well to drive away any intruders who were not subjects of the Spanish crown . </P>

Which european country built the first permanent settlement in what is now the united states