Menendez celebrates 446th anniversary

Historic City News has learned that the 446th anniversary of the founding of the City of St. Augustine will be commemorated Saturday, September 10th.

St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565 when Spanish military forces and colonists came ashore to establish a base of operations against French trespassers in La Florida.

The event will be hosted by Mission Nombre de Dios and Florida Living History.

The heritage event will feature:

– The historical re-enactment of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing in 1565.

– A grand procession to the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum, following the Mass of Thanksgiving.

– A lecture on the founding of St. Augustine by Michael Gannon

Commanded by Admiral don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the base was named St. Augustine because the fleet had sighted La Florida on August 28, the feast day of St. Augustine, and because Augustine was also the patron saint of Aviles, Spain – the birthplace of Menendez.

People of European descent have been living continuously in St. Augustine since that Saturday in 1565, making it the oldest city in the continental United States.

For more information call (877) 352-4478).

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer