What was the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States, established in 1565?

The first permanent European settlement in the continental United States is St. Augustine, established by Spanish explorers in 1565. This location served as a strategic military outpost and a base for further exploration and colonization of the region by the Spanish. St. Augustine is significant not only for its longevity but also for being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. The establishment of St. Augustine marked the beginning of a sustained Spanish presence in North America, which would influence the cultural landscape of the region for centuries to come.

In contrast, Santa Fe was founded later in 1610, Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first successful English settlement, and Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620, was notable for its association with early English colonial life but came after St. Augustine.