Pedro Menéndez de Avilés

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was a Spanish explorer and naval officer in the 16th century, known for founding St. Augustine in Florida in 1565, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. He played a key role in Spain’s efforts to establish and defend its territories in the New World, fiercely resisting French attempts to claim the region. Menéndez de Avilés's leadership helped solidify Spanish presence in North America, balancing exploration, military strategy, and settlement efforts during a period of intense European competition for new lands.