Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

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What was the first permanent European settlement established in North America?

Plymouth, MA
Jamestown, VA
St. Augustine, FL
Santa Fe, NM

The correct answer is: St. Augustine, FL

The first permanent European settlement established in North America is St. Augustine, Florida. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the continental United States. The city was established as a strategic military outpost, serving as a base for further exploration and settlement in the region. In contrast, Plymouth, Massachusetts, was established later in 1620 by English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom. Jamestown, Virginia, was founded in 1607 and is recognized as the first permanent English settlement in North America, but it came after St. Augustine. Santa Fe, New Mexico, was founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists, also after the establishment of St. Augustine. Thus, St. Augustine is historically significant as the initial European foothold in North America, predating the other settlements listed.