As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, St. Augustine, Florida, is honoring its legacy as the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the continental United States. Located on Florida’s northeastern coast, St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez.

St. Augustine’s Role in the American Revolution

While many people know the stories of Menendez, the Spanish conquistadors and the legend of the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, the city’s role in the birth of America is often overlooked. Great Britain took over Florida from Spain in 1763 after the French and Indian War, which was a conflict between Great Britain and France, along with their Native American allies.

According to historians, what is known as Florida today was split in two: East Florida and West Florida, also known as the forgotten 14th and 15th colonies of colonial America. The 14th colony is Saint Augustine, with East Florida having all the loyalists loyal to King George, and West Florida having patriots and loyalists because it’s so close to Spanish territory.

Florida would go on to play a key role in the American Revolution, remaining loyal to Great Britain and serving as a military stronghold. Thousands of British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina fled to Florida during the Revolutionary War. On the other hand, some American founding fathers were imprisoned at the Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine.

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

The City of St. Augustine is celebrating July 4 with ‘Fireworks Over the Matanzas.’ The event features a free concert, fireworks over the bay, and family-friendly activities throughout the historic district. St. Augustine City Walks will offer free ‘St. Augustine and the Birth of America’ tours on July 11, July 18, and July 25.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.