Two historic Florida destinations, St. Augustine and Pensacola, have announced a joint campaign to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The initiative, called “From the 1500s, With Love,” aims to highlight that American history began before 1776 by focusing on the nation’s earliest settlements.
The campaign links Pensacola, known as the site of America’s first multi-year European settlement in 1559, with St. Augustine, recognized as the oldest continuously occupied city in the country since its founding in 1565.
As part of preparations for America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, both destinations will offer collaborative content, travel itineraries, and events. These efforts are intended to encourage visitors to explore both locations and learn about their historical significance.
Travelers can access information about the initiative through dedicated landing pages from each destination and through shared social media content. Resources include travel itineraries connecting Florida’s Historic Coast and Pensacola, details on historic attractions tied to Indigenous and colonial histories, cultural celebrations related to America’s 250th anniversary, family-friendly experiences for students and educators, and digital stories featuring diverse voices from Florida’s past.
“From the 1500s, With Love” also provides educational materials and highlights museums and heritage sites reflecting Spanish, French, British, African, maritime history as well as local Indigenous cultures.
For more information or media inquiries regarding this campaign or either destination:
– Contact Florida’s Historic Coast at BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com
– Contact Visit Pensacola at PR@visitpensacola.com
Additional resources are available at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com/events/250/ for Florida’s Historic Coast activities and visitpensacola.com/America250/ for Pensacola’s America 250 hub.
