The first permanent colony established in present-day U.S. territory was St. Augustine, Florida, founded by the Spanish on September 8, 1565. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States
. However, the first permanent English colony in what is now the United States was Jamestown, Virginia, established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London. Jamestown was the first enduring English settlement and marked the beginning of English colonization in North America
. In summary:
- St. Augustine, Florida (1565) : First permanent European settlement in present-day U.S. territory, established by Spain.
- Jamestown, Virginia (1607) : First permanent English colony in present-day U.S. territory.
Both colonies are significant, but St. Augustine predates Jamestown by over 40 years.
