St. Augustine, Florida, is known as the oldest city in the United States. Founded in 1565, it has a rich history filled with fascinating stories and interesting facts. From its beautiful beaches to its historic landmarks, St. Augustine is a place that captures the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Whether you are a history buff or just curious about this charming city, there is always something new to learn about its unique past.
Today, we will share some fun trivia about St. Augustine that you may not know. Did you know that the city is home to the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country? Or that it has a castle made of coquina rock? Each tidbit reveals a piece of the city’s history, showcasing its colorful past and vibrant culture. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these cool facts about St. Augustine that highlight why this city is so special!
St Augustine Trivia
Discovering the Roots of St Augustine
1. In what year was St. Augustine founded? (Answer: 1565)
2. Who was the founder of St. Augustine? (Answer: Pedro Menéndez de Avilés)
3. What country originally established St. Augustine? (Answer: Spain)
4. What was the primary reason for founding St. Augustine? (Answer: To protect Spanish interests in Florida)
5. St. Augustine is named after which saint? (Answer: Saint Augustine of Hippo)
6. What is the name of the fort built to protect St. Augustine? (Answer: Castillo de San Marcos)
7. What unique material is Castillo de San Marcos made of? (Answer: Coquina)
8. Which war saw the fort change hands from Spanish to British control? (Answer: The War of Jenkins’ Ear)
9. What is the oldest house in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Gonzalez-Alvarez House)
10. What year did Florida become a U.S. Territory? (Answer: 1821)
Legends and Stories of St Augustine
1. What ghostly legend is associated with the St. Augustine Lighthouse? (Answer: The Ghost of Elisha Weir)
2. Which infamous pirate is said to have visited St. Augustine? (Answer: Sir Francis Drake)
3. What ghost tour showcases the haunted history of the city? (Answer: Ghost Tours of St. Augustine)
4. What was the name of the chief who led Timucuan resistance against European settlers? (Answer: Chief Carlos)
5. What tragic event is tied to the story of the pirate José Gaspar? (Answer: He hid his treasure in Florida)
6. What famous book features stories from Victorian-era St. Augustine? (Answer: “The Ghosts of St. Augustine”)
7. What year was The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park established? (Answer: 1904)
8. Which Spanish explorer is known for searching for the Fountain of Youth? (Answer: Ponce de León)
9. What unusual animal is often associated with the ghost stories of St. Augustine? (Answer: Alligators)
10. Where can visitors find a replica of Ponce de León’s ship? (Answer: The St. Augustine Maritime Museum)
St Augustine: A Hub of Culture
1. Which famous street is considered the oldest in America? (Answer: St. George Street)
2. What annual event celebrates Spanish culture in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Feast of Santa Fe)
3. What historic site features living history exhibits of colonial life? (Answer: The Colonial Quarter)
4. Which holiday is celebrated with a lantern parade in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Nights of Lights)
5. What is the name of the famous festival featuring art and music? (Answer: The St. Augustine Art Festival)
6. Which museum focuses on the history of African Americans in Florida? (Answer: The Amistad Research Center)
7. What popular event features local bands and craft beer? (Answer: The St. Augustine Music Festival)
8. What is the name of the oldest active religious congregation in the United States, located in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine)
9. What is the name of the annual arts festival featuring local artists? (Answer: The St. Augustine Art and Craft Festival)
10. What local market showcases crafts and produce each weekend? (Answer: The St. Augustine Farmers Market)
Nature and Scenery of St Augustine
1. What beach is famous for its romantic sunsets in St. Augustine? (Answer: Anastasia State Park)
2. Which bird is commonly seen at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm? (Answer: The Roseate Spoonbill)
3. What type of environment is found at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve? (Answer: Estuarine ecosystem)
4. What is the average temperature during the summer months in St. Augustine? (Answer: Around 90°F)
5. Which historic tree is known as the “Old Senator”? (Answer: A Southern Oak)
6. What popular activity can you do at the St. Augustine Lighthouse? (Answer: Climbing to the top)
7. What wildlife sanctuary is located just outside of the city? (Answer: The St. Augustine Wild Reserve)
8. Which beach offers opportunities for surfing and beach volleyball? (Answer: Vilano Beach)
9. What botanical garden in St. Augustine features a variety of native plants? (Answer: The St. Augustine Botanical Garden)
10. What unique tree is found at the St. Augustine National Cemetery? (Answer: The Spanish Moss tree)
The Culinary Delights of St Augustine
1. Which dish is famously associated with St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage? (Answer: Paella)
2. What is the name of the iconic dessert made from cream cheese and fruits? (Answer: St. Augustine Cheesecake)
3. Which local restaurant is famous for their seafood dishes? (Answer: The Conch House)
4. What type of cuisine can you enjoy at the oldest restaurant in the U.S.? (Answer: Spanish cuisine at Casa Monica)
5. What is the oldest continually operating diner in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Blue Heaven)
6. What beverage is synonymous with St. Augustine culture? (Answer: Key Lime Pie cocktail)
7. Which local market features fresh, local produce and baked goods? (Answer: St. Augustine Farmers Market)
8. What popular coffee shop is known for its historic ambiance? (Answer: The Kookaburra)
9. What type of food can you find at the city’s numerous food trucks? (Answer: Gourmet tacos)
10. What popular festival showcases local wines and cuisines? (Answer: The St. Augustine Food and Wine Festival)
Events and Festivals in St Augustine
1. What annual festival commemorates St. Augustine’s founding? (Answer: The Spanish Landing Festival)
2. What does the Nights of Lights festival celebrate? (Answer: The holiday season with lights)
3. What festival features a reenactment of the landing of Pedro Menéndez? (Answer: The Founders Day Celebration)
4. When is the annual St. Augustine Pirate Gathering held? (Answer: Every September)
5. What festival welcomes the arrival of spring in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Spring Fest)
6. What event showcases the creativity of local musicians? (Answer: The St. Augustine Music Festival)
7. What popular fair includes crafts, food, and games for families? (Answer: The St. Augustine Fair)
8. What seasonal event features costumed characters and parades? (Answer: The St. Augustine Halloween Festival)
9. What festivity highlights Latin American culture in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Latin Food and Culture Festival)
10. What celebration includes a famous local boat race? (Answer: The St. Augustine Boat Regatta)
The Historic Landmarks of St Augustine
1. What ancient fort is a national monument in St. Augustine? (Answer: Castillo de San Marcos)
2. What structure is known as the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States? (Answer: The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse)
3. Which historic church is known for its beautiful architecture? (Answer: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine)
4. What famous home was once the residence of Henry Flagler? (Answer: Flagler College)
5. What historic site is dedicated to the city’s early settlers? (Answer: The Old Jail Museum)
6. Which landmark is known for its historical significance as an early trading post? (Answer: The Spanish Fort of St. Augustine)
7. What landmark is known as the oldest surviving structure in St. Augustine? (Answer: The Gonzalez-Alvarez House)
8. What famous lighthouse is recognized as a historic place? (Answer: St. Augustine Lighthouse)
9. What historic site contains the ruins of a Spanish coquina quarry? (Answer: The Coquina Quarry)
10. Which house is known for its unusual mix of architectural styles? (Answer: The Mansion at 4 Grenada)
Final Thoughts
St. Augustine has a captivating history filled with intriguing tales and cultural experiences. From its founding in 1565 to its many legendary stories, the city is a treasure trove for visitors and residents alike. Knowledge of its unique landmarks, events, and culinary delights showcases why St. Augustine is so special. With its beautiful scenery and rich heritage, there is always something new to explore.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about this charming city. Whether you are visiting or simply curious, St. Augustine has something to offer everyone. For more fun trivia, check out our Florida trivia and Texas trivia pages for more interesting facts!