St. Augustine to Recognize 459th Anniversary with Founder’s Day Events
2024年7月18日 - 11:00PM
Spain’s long and rich history on Florida’s Historic Coast began
with a momentous step from ship to shore on September 8, 1565. On
September 7, 2024, the Nation’s Oldest City celebrates its 459th
anniversary with Founder’s Day.
Forty-two years before Jamestown and fifty-five years before the
Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish landed on the shores
of what would become St. Augustine under the leadership of Don
Pedro de Menéndez de Avilés. King Philip II had sent Menéndez on a
mission to rout the French from the area, keeping Spanish trade and
exploration routes to Central and South America clear from
interference. The Spanish brigade spotted land on the feast day of
San Agustín and landed with over 600 voyagers. Father Francisco
Lopez de Mendoza immediately held the first Catholic mass in what
would eventually become the United States, giving thanks for the
successful voyage, and celebrated with the New World’s first
Thanksgiving meal.
With the help of dedicated historical reenactors dressed in
full, traditional Spanish garb, visitors can experience that
extraordinary day. The reenactment of the landing, complete with
chalupa boats, will occur as Menendez and his crew step foot on the
grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios. After the Mass held at the
Rustic Altar, the celebration continues with a grand procession,
cannon and musket salutes, and a Thanksgiving meal on the grounds
of the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the site of the first
Spanish settlement.
The schedule of events for Saturday, September 7:
10 a.m. | Menendez and crew land at Mission Nombre de Dios
grounds, FREE
11 a.m. | Catholic Mass at Rustic Altar on Mission grounds, FREE
(bring a folding chair)
12 p.m. | Procession from Mission to Fountain of Youth, FREE
1 p.m. | Reenactment of first Thanksgiving meal at Fountain of
Youth, (regular admission applies).
1– 5 p.m. | Encampment and weapons demonstrations at Fountain of
Youth Archeological Park (regular admission applies).
Florida’s Historic Coast is easily accessible, just off I-95 and
less than an hour from two international airports and Amtrak
railroad stations. For lodging deals, attractions, and upcoming
events, use Florida Historic Coast’s convenient trip planner.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville,
Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the
outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural
beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine
Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10
Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra
Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach
Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call
1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website
at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media
Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine,
Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine, and Facebook.com/ViajaStAugustine
and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast
- Founder's Day LAnding Reenactment
Barbara Golden
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
9046698142
Bgolden@floridashistoriccoast.com