Pedro Menéndez de Avilés embarked on an expedition to the territory that would become Florida, motivated by the Spanish Crown's desire to expand its influence in the New World. Upon arriving in August 1565, he located a suitable site near the coast, where he would establish a settlement named San Agustín, later known simply as St. Augustine. The settlement's establishment was significant due to its geographical position, which enabled the Spanish to protect their sea routes from French and English privateers, and serve as a base for missions aimed at converting the Native American population. Menéndez's expedition was not just a military venture; it included priests and settlers who aimed to create a community reflecting Spanish culture and Catholic faith. The landing was a bold assertion of Spain's power in the Americas, especially in light of the competition in the region, particularly from French Huguenots attempting to establish a colony nearby in Florida.

St. Augustine grew from a military outpost into a vibrant city, serving as the capital of Spanish Florida. It became a strategic location for the Spanish to launch further explorations and missions into the interior of the continent and was integral to the development of trade and military operations in the region. Over the years, St. Augustine's role as a Spanish colonial town was pivotal in establishing the cultural, social, and economic frameworks that would influence the development of the southeastern United States. The architecture, layout, and traditions of St. Augustine reflect over four centuries of European colonial history in North America, granting it a unique charm and historical significance.