Historic St. Augustine Research Institute William L. Proctor Award "Gaze at the buildings and read the accounts of the people who walked the same streets more than 450 years ago; you will be transformed into a time traveler."--Thomas Graham, author of Mr. Flagler's St. Augustine "Grab this book--you will never find this information on a travel website."--Kathleen Deagan, coauthor of Fort Mose: Colonial America's Black Fortress of Freedom In 2013, National Geographic Traveler chose St. Augustine as one of "20 must-see places and best trips in the world." But while tourists take in the fort and stroll the cobblestone streets, few visitors are aware of the remarkable history of this oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. Walking St. Augustine fuses illustrated history and intimate handbook. The author, Elsbeth "Buff" Gordon, one of the city's most highly regarded historians, is also a resident and offers insider tips for exciting adventures. Gordon divides the colonial village into sections, all easily walked in a single day. She guides visitors through Plaza de la Constitucion, the oldest public park in America, and down the same avenues walked by the first Spanish settlers. She vividly retells landmark events, highlights areas of architectural or historic interest, delves into the genealogy of the multicultural families that have made St. Augustine home, and offers human stories and heritage recipes passed down through the centuries. With this vibrantly rendered, easy-to-use, and color-coded guide, visitors can walk the seldom-visited south end of the city, which includes the earliest residential area with streets dating back to 1572, and stop in at the Flagler College complex, its more recent history illuminated by its architectural perfection. Gordon suggests visiting the Colonial Quarter Living History Museum, and for those looking to venture beyond walking distance, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Anastasia Island, and Fort Mose, the nation's first legally free black settlement. Walking St. Augustine opens the doors to a spellbinding city, allowing visitors to discover five centuries of gripping history.

When Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565, his New World survival kit included gambling, liquor and ladies for hire. For the next four hundred years, these three industries were vital in keeping the city financially afloat. With the cooperation of law enforcement and politicians, St. Augustine's madams, bootleggers and high-rollers created a veritable Riviera where tourists, especially the wealthy, could indulge in almost every vice and still bring the family along for a wholesome vacation picking oranges and gawking at alligators. Join historian Ann Colby's tour of spots not on the standard tourist map to discover hidden-in-plain-sight bordellos, speakeasies, casinos and the occasional opium den.

St. Augustine conjures up images of Spanish architecture, a massive fort, splashes of color against a backdrop of river and ocean, and always, always the omnipresent tourist. This ancient town, established along the banks of the Matanzas River in 1565, is the oldest city in America. Founded to protect Spains trade route from South and Central America to Europe, this colorful community was thriving years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and decades before Jamestown was settled. No other place in the United States embodies more charm than this hallowed city. Within these pages, images taken from the St. Augustine Historical Societys archives will educate, enthrall, and entice history buffs, tourists, and residents alike. These vintage photographs will link readers to the past and transform them into more than mere spectators visiting a popular tourist attraction. Rediscover the Spanish connection and see how early settlers built their homes, harvested their crops, educated their children, and protected their land. Walk the same worn and winding paths that the towns forefathers trod and acknowledge both the good and the bad times of life before modernday conveniences. St. Augustine conjures up images of Spanish architecture, a massive fort, splashes of color against a backdrop of river and ocean, and always, always the omnipresent tourist. This ancient town, established along the banks of the Matanzas River in 1565, is the oldest city in America. Founded to protect Spains trade route from South and Central America to Europe, this colorful community was thriving years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and decades before Jamestown was settled. No other place in the United States embodies more charm than this hallowed city. Within these pages, images taken from the St. Augustine Historical Societys archives will educate, enthrall, and entice history buffs, tourists, and residents alike. These vintage photographs will link readers to the past and transform them into more than mere spectators visiting a popular tourist attraction. Rediscover the Spanish connection and see how early settlers built their homes, harvested their crops, educated their children, and protected their land. Walk the same worn and winding paths that the towns forefathers trod and acknowledge both the good and the bad times of life before modernday conveniences.

The spirited story of Mary Evans, an extraordinary woman from colonial Charles Town who finds a place for herself in St. Augustine after Spain relinquishes Florida. In this captivating tale, Eugenia Price paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous historic and political events that shaped the life of Mary Evans, a remarkably independent woman in the colonial south. Born in Charles Town, South Carolina, Mary, a skilled midwife, accompanied her first husband, British soldier David Fenwick, when his regiment fought the Spanish in Cuba. When Spain agreed to give all of Florida in exchange for the city of Havana, Mary (who became known as Maria) and her husband were forced to relocate to the new British garrison town of St. Augustine, Florida. Maria exposes challenges that would unnerve a less resourceful woman, but she made a name for herself—developing and enhancing her position with influential citizens of St. Augustine. Eventually marrying three times, Maria proved herself to be an extraordinary woman, for any day or time.

A rhyming, ABC adventure book for children that explores St. Augustine, Florida's historical figures and landmarks. This fun and educational book includes a map in the back that guides families on a tour, and includes new interactive activity pages for additional learning.

Travel these easy-to-follow tours of St. Augustine, North America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlement. Explore famed St. Augustine locales, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Cathedral of St. Augustine, the Huguenot Cemetery and the Plaza. Discover the wonderful historic architecture, attractions and international flavor that make St. Augustine a flourishing winter playground. Let Steve Rajtar and Kelly Goodman guide you through the history-rich streets of this delightful north Florida community in their comprehensive Guide to Historic St. Augustine, Florida.

It's April, 1942 and St. Augustine glistens in the warm Florida sun. For the residents of America's oldest city, the ravages of a world war seem far away. Comfortable in their tidy, historic community, increasing tourism seems more important than fighting fascism. But for the town's black residents, the war has brought their situation into sharp contrast -- especially when it comes to UNCLE SAM's -- a place where flag-waving patriotism, big band music and cold beer are blended nightly to conceal a horrible secret.

The books in the Florida and the Caribbean Open Books Series demonstrate the University Press of Florida’s long history of publishing Latin American and Caribbean studies titles that connect in and through Florida, highlighting the connections between the Sunshine State and its neighboring islands. Books in this series show how early explorers found and settled Florida and the Caribbean. They tell the tales of early pioneers, both foreign and domestic. They examine topics critical to the area such as travel, migration, economic opportunity, and tourism. They look at the growth of Florida and the Caribbean and the attendant pressures on the environment, culture, urban development, and the movement of peoples, both forced and voluntary. The Florida and the Caribbean Open Books Series gathers the rich data available in these architectural, archaeological, cultural, and historical works, as well as the travelogues and naturalists’ sketches of the area prior to the twentieth century, making it accessible for scholars and the general public alike. The Florida and the Caribbean Open Books Series is made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, under the Humanities Open Books program.