St. Augustine is the first colony established by Spanish settlers in modern-day Florida of the United States of America. It was founded in September 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles<span>, later named by King Philip II Spain's most experienced admiral, Governor of Florida. King Philip II then instructed him to explore and to colonize the territory. </span><span>When </span>Menendez<span> arrived off the coast of Florida, it was August 28, 1565, later called the Feast Day of St. Augustine.</span>