On September 8, 1565, with much pomp and circumstance and 600 voyagers cheering, Menéndez set foot on the shores of Florida — the nation’s oldest port! In honor of the saint whose feast day fell on the day he first sighted land, Menéndez named the colonial settlement St. Augustine. Menéndez quickly and diligently carried out his king's instructions. With brilliant military maneuvering and good fortune, he removed the French garrison and proceeded to consolidate Spain's authority on the northeast coast of Florida. St. Augustine was to serve two purposes: as a military outpost, or Presidio, for the defense of Florida, and a base for Catholic missionary settlements throughout the southeastern part of North America. Before the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Spanish built wooden watchtowers to watch over this very important port. 📸: enchanting_florida_photography #staugustinelighthouse #lighthouse #port #staugustine #florida #floridahistory #stafla #nonprofit #museum #saintaugustine #n...