c) St Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. Its establishment marked a significant moment in colonial history, showcasing Spain’s expanding influence in the New World. St. Augustine served as a strategic defensive outpost for the Spanish, protecting their treasure fleets. The city’s rich history includes conflicts with both English colonists to the north and various Native American tribes, reflecting the complex colonial dynamics of the era.