St. Augustine, Florida's Colonial Capital

"St. Augustine, Florida's Colonial Capital" by J. T. Van Campen is a late 20th-century historical narrative about the founding and evolution of St. Augustine, which was the first lasting European settlement in what is now the the United States. It recounts the challenges the settlers faced and highlights the town's importance within colonial America. The story vividly starts with Don Pedro Menéndez's arrival in Florida in September 1565, where he plans to set up a Spanish base and get rid of the French Huguenots. The book explores the religious and political tensions of the 16th century, showing the clash between Spain and France for control of the region and its valuable trade routes; readers learn about the detailed landing ceremonies that blended military actions with spiritual traditions. Menéndez's mission to secure the area against the French at Fort Caroline shapes the future of Spanish Florida and defines its interactions with other colonial powers.