09/17/2023
Aviles Street in St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest street in the nation. It was originally called Hospital Street because it was the location of the Spanish Military Hospital during the Second Spanish Period (1784-1821). The street was named after Don Pedro de Avilés, the Spanish governor of Florida from 1702 to 1704. In the early days, Aviles Street was home to a variety of businesses and institutions, including a church, a cemetery, boarding homes, and schools. The hospital served Spanish soldiers and civilians until it was closed in 1821. The street was originally made of dirt, but it was paved with bricks in the early 1900s. In 2013, archaeologists digging several layers under the brick paving of Aviles Street discovered pottery shards from the early 1600s confirming that Aviles Street is indeed the oldest street in the nation. Today, Aviles Street is a vibrant arts district with a mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic buildings. It is also home to several museums, including the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, the General Kirby House, and the Father O'Reilly House Museum.
In 1965, Aviles Street was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of St. Augustine.
