Pedro Menendez de Aviles

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded and colonized the city of St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the continental United States. Pedro made a name for himself early on through his brave deeds at sea. Ponce de León claimed Florida for Spain in 1513. But by 1562, France began to challenge Spain s claim to the area. So in 1565, King Philip sent Menéndez back to Florida to get rid of the French and establish Spain s stronghold in the area. We are able to reconstruct his exploration of the American Southeast through official records. Though he was ruthless and merciless in the name of the Spanish crown, he established a colony in Florida that nearly 450 years later still reflects its rich Spanish history.