St. Augustine: The Ancient City of Florida

• HelloHey y'all
  [Hey y'all]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [See ya later]
• YesYeah
  [Yeah]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Please/No problem]
• Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [Pardon me/My bad]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [How y'all doin'?]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [Fine. And you?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [I ain't gettin' ya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI wanna check out the menu, please
  [I wanna check out the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay, please
  [I wanna pay, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Go away!
  [Go away!]
• Call the Police!Call the Cops!
  [Call the Cops!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [I'm just lookin']
• How much is it?How much is this?
  [How much is this?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya bring the price down?
  [Can ya bring the price down?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [Morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, was founded on September 8, 1565, by the Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. The establishment came as a result of Spain's strategic efforts to protect its treasure fleets traveling from the New World to Europe.

Constructed between 1672 and 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built by the Spanish to defend their settlement from pirate raids and British forces, its coquina stone walls have withstood numerous sieges and are a testament to colonial military architecture.

In 1763, the Treaty of Paris concluded the Seven Years' War, and Florida was ceded to Great Britain. St. Augustine became the capital of British East Florida. This period saw significant changes including the influx of British settlers, new agricultural practices, and the construction of new buildings.

In 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War and returned Florida to Spanish control. This era saw a mixed population of Spanish, British loyalists, freed slaves, and Native Americans. St. Augustine continued to serve as an important military and cultural center for Spain.

The second Spanish period lasted from 1784 to 1821, marked by efforts to revitalize agriculture and trade. However, it was also a time of instability due to conflicts with neighboring territories and Native American tribes, culminating in Spain ceding Florida to the United States in 1821.

St. Augustine played a significant role in the Seminole Wars, particularly during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). The city served as a base for U.S. military operations against the Seminole tribes. Fort Marion, originally Castillo de San Marcos, was used to detain Native American prisoners.

During the American Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. St. Augustine was occupied by Confederate forces until March 1862, when Union troops captured the city. The fort, renamed Fort Marion, served as a Union stronghold for the rest of the war.

In the late 19th century, Henry Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil, transformed St. Augustine into a winter resort for the wealthy. He built several grand hotels, including the Ponce de Leon Hotel, which is now part of Flagler College. This era brought significant economic and cultural development.

St. Augustine was a focal point during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., led protests against segregation in the city. The events in St. Augustine played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, St. Augustine has focused on preserving its rich historical heritage. Many of its historic buildings and landmarks have been restored and are now major tourist attractions. The city continues to celebrate its diverse cultural history through various festivals and events.

St. Augustine is accessible by car, plane, and train. The nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), approximately 50 miles to the north. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to St. Augustine. Alternatively, you can fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about 100 miles south. Amtrak offers train services to nearby Palatka, located about 30 miles west of St. Augustine. Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 provide easy road access to the city.

St. Augustine is a walkable city, especially in the historic downtown area. For longer distances, the Sunshine Bus Company offers public bus services throughout St. Johns County. Taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, and bike rentals are also available. For a unique experience, consider using the Old Town Trolley Tours or Ripley’s Red Train Tours, which provide hop-on-hop-off services around the city's main attractions.

The official currency in St. Augustine is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas. While some smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash, most establishments accept major credit cards and contactless payment methods.

St. Augustine is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. High crime areas targeting tourists are rare, but it's always best to stay vigilant. Areas around the historic district are well-patrolled and considered safe.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. St. Augustine has several medical facilities, including Flagler Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially when touring historic sites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are advisable due to the warm climate. Don't wear revealing clothing in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Some historic churches and religious sites may require modest dress. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and follow the rules of the transportation provider. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or a handshake. Southerners are known for their hospitality. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fresh seafood and Southern cuisine. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.

To experience St. Augustine like a local, consider visiting during the off-peak seasons in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. Explore local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals who are often willing to share stories about the city's rich history. Don't miss lesser-known sites like the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for a unique perspective on the city’s history.