2008: Why St. Augustine?

Speaker Series - 2008

Why St. Augustine?

This series was done in partnership with the  St. Augustine Historical Society (organizer) and the Florida Humanities Council, to help kick off a series of observances of the upcoming 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine in 1565.  For more information contact Dr. Susan Parker, Director, St. Augustine Historical Society and HSARI Research Associate.

Twelve distinguished scholars consider the early colonial  settlement attempts in the southeastern United States, and ask why St. Augustine was the first to survive.

North America in 1490

Jack Temple Kirby, Miami University, Emeritus
Europe in 1490

Eugene Lyon, Flagler College Center for Historic Research
Africa in 1490

Jane Landers, Vanderbilt University
San Miguel de Gualdape on the Georgia coast

 Paul E. Hoffman, Louisiana State University
Pensacola of 1559-61

Judy Bense, University of West Florida
French Fort Caroline

John McGrath, Boston University
The first site of St. Augustine 1565-66 

Kathleen Deagan, University of Florida
Spain’s second settlement-Santa Elena

Chester DePratter, University of South Carolina
English Roanoke

 Karen Ordahl Kupperman, New York University
St. Augustine in 1607

Susan R. Parker, St. Augustine Historical Society