Events in 1565

September 8, 1565

Founding of St. Augustine

Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established St. Augustine, Florida, marking the first permanent European settlement in what would become the United States. The settlement was founded on September 8, 1565, predating Jamestown by 42 years.

September 20, 1565

Battle of Fort Caroline

Spanish forces led by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés attacked and conquered French Fort Caroline, killing or capturing most of its inhabitants and establishing Spanish dominance in Florida for the next two centuries.