The town of St. Augustine , Florida , dates back to 1565 . It was founded by the Spanish and named after Saint Augustine ( a Christian saint ) who lived in Spain for many years before he died there. These beautiful shady respites -- often featuring moss-covered statuary and a bench or two -- are every bit as lovely as something you 'd discover in New Orleans or Charleston , and they offer a moment of shelter from the Florida heat . Henry Flagler added some Gilded Age opulence to the city .
The town of St. Augustine , Florida , dates back to 1565 . It was founded by the Spanish and named after Saint Augustine ( a Christian saint ) who lived in Spain for many years before he died there. Henry Flagler added some Gilded Age opulence to the city .