The United States of America is filled with rich historical cities scattered across the country. Some of these cities have been deserted while some have developed and become modern cities. Most of these cities have rich fascinating historical lessons that began to formulate the nation. We have taken to the task to come up with the top 25 Oldest Cities in the US today and all the information you need to know about these cities.
TOP 25 OLDEST CITIES IN THE US TODAY – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Interestingly, some of the cities enlisted on our article are the Oldest Major Cities in the US. Most of these cities also attract people from around the world who visit and fest their eyes on the historical structures and landmarks preserved. Thus, below is a quick view of the top 25 Oldest Cities in the US Today.
- #1. Pensacola
- Florida
- Year Established: 1559
Pensacola in Florida assumes the position of being the Oldest City in USA. The city was the first Spanish settlement within the borders of the mainland of the United States. Though it is disputed with St. Augustine which has been permanently settled since 1561.
- #2. St. Augustine
- Florida
- Year Established: 1561
St. Augustine is the Oldest City in USA having been established in 1561 and founded by Pedro Mendez de Aviles. The city served as the Spanish capital for 200 years. Interestingly, the city is not deserted but still been inhabited ever since till now. Fort Matanzas, Castillo de San Marcos (the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.), the Colonial Quarter, among other fascinating historic buildings and museums located in the city are some of the historical sites to visit.
- #3. Santa Fe
- State: New Mexico
- Year Established: 1607
Santa Fe is bestowed with a rich history that is over 400 years old, earning it a spot among the top 25 Oldest Cities in the US Today. Santa Fe is among the cities established by the Spanish and it holds lots of rich history. The city is filled with lots of statues, and it still retains and preserves some important historical structures and landmarks such as the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, 1869.
- #4. Albany
- New York
- Year Established: 1609
The present capital of New York was founded by Dutch explorer Henry Hudson who claimed the land for the Dutch in 1609. Prior to his discovery of the land, the Dutch sent settlers who found Albany in 1614. The city became a well-known commercial and manufacturing centre and the place where the toilet paper and Ferris wheel was developed. Presently, it is one of the major cities in the state.
- #5. Plymouth
- State: Massachusetts
- Year Established: 1620
The city of Plymouth is one of the Largest Cities in Massachusetts and also one of the ancient cities in the state. The city was founded by pilgrims brought to the Plymouth Rock in the United States by the famous Mayflower ship. The rock, and the legend, still exist. Plymouth has grown to be a major city in Massachusetts and tourism, healthcare, research and real estate are the city’s prominent economic activities.
- #6. New York City
- State: New York
- Year Established: 1624
New York is a popular city in the world and one of the Oldest Major Cities in the US has transformed one of the Best Cities in the country. New York City is referred to as the city that never sleeps. The city was discovered by explorer Henry Hudson and has risen to become the most populous city in the United States. New York has a diversified culture and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city houses some of the best historical attraction in the state as well as modern advanced cutting edge technologies and structures in the world.
- #7. Salem
- State: Massachusetts
- Year Established: 1626
Salem, which means “Peace” in Hebrew was founded by Roger Conant and a group of immigrants from Cape Ann, established in 1626. The name seems ironical looking at its origin known primarily for the witchcraft frenzy that withheld the area at the latter part of the 17th century. A notable event is the 1692 witch trials, during which execution of several locals was carried out for allegedly practising witchcraft. Important landmarks such as the Witch House, the former home of a trial judge are preserved for tourist attraction.
- #8. Boston
- State: Massachusetts
- Year Established: 1630
The city of Boston was founded by the Puritans who came from England on the Shawmut Peninsula. The city served as the main port as well as a main manufacturing base in the country. Also, it was served as the main centre for US culture and education. The city is notable for several events chiefly the American Revolutionary events that occurred in Boston cannot be forgotten in a jiffy such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Siege of Boston, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. In fact, the city is home to numerous rich American historic sites and buildings.
- #9. Williamsburg
- Virginia
- Year Established: 1638
Williamsburg is among the oldest cities in Virginia and it’s among the Top 25 Oldest Cities in the US Today. The city that once served as the capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 is known to play an important role in the American Revolution. A visit to this city will give you a glimpse of about four centuries of American history.
- #10. Newport
- Rhode Island
- Year Established: 1639
Newport history dates back to the early 1600s when the British colonizers founded the city. The city itself is older than the United States and there are so many tales to tell about this city. The city served as a major port city in the 18th century, in fact, it still retains a large number of the buildings dating back to the colonial era which is preserved as a historical landmark. Interestingly, the city is home to Naval Station Newport, a major Navy training centre in the country. Also, there is a Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the Naval War College in the city.
- #11. Annapolis
- State: Maryland
- Year Established: 1649
The capital of Maryland is the third Oldest City in USA. There are several notable and famous academics in this city especially the St. John’s College, the prestigious U.S Naval Academy that is well known throughout the country. When you visit this city, you will be inclined to see the numerous 18th-century homes that are still standing and considered historical landmarks.
- #12. Jersey City
- State: New Jersey
- Year Established: 1660
Jersey City reminds us of its history with the slave trade which reflects the diverse culture of the area. The city was originally a fur-trading settlement established along the Hudson River which is a blessing to this area providing it with commercial benefits and finance. The Yellow Pencil that is still in use today was invented from this city. The city welcomed a high influx of immigrants into the United States in the 19th century when immigrants were processed through nearby Ellis Island. Some of the historic centres in this state include the 1917 William Trent House Museum, the American Labor Museum, and the Battleship New Jersey from WW II.
- #13. Charleston
- State: South Carolina
- Year Established: 1670
The beautiful Charleston city was originally the settlement of the British colonists. The city’s name was initially called Charles Town, in honour of King Charles II in England but was subsequently changed to what it is presently known. The city was a leading agricultural centre of the U.S and the economy until the dawn of the civil war in 1861. Charleston is packed with a lot of history and swarming with well-preserved architecture, restaurants where sumptuous delicacies are served and other sightseeing venues that will thrill you.
- #14. Norfolk
- State: Virginia
- Year Established: 1682
Norfolk also makes our list of the Top 25 Oldest Cities in the US Today established around the late 1600s. The city has a lot of historical sites spread across several locations in the city. You can visit the Cannonball Trail History Tour, where you will see several of historic buildings, homes, and monuments. Visiting the Hampton Roads Naval Museum gives you a peek into the maritime history.
- #15. Philadelphia
- State: Pennsylvania
- Year Established: 1682
Philadelphia nicknamed the “City of Brotherly Love.” is a rich historical city in the state of Pennsylvania and has grown to be the largest city in the state. The city was founded by William Penn who was gifted the land by King Charles II as a payment of a debt that was owed to Penn’s father. The city holds a lot of American historical landmarks including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Betsy Ross’ House,
- #16. Detroit
- State: Michigan
- Year Established: 1701
Detroit is another Oldest City in USA to appear on our list. The city was founded by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French Colonist in 1701. The city began as a fur trading post but has grown to be one of the Oldest Major Cities in the US. The city growth rate is ascribing to its automotive industry which is one of the major highlights of the city. There are several museums and a historic site that connotes the city’s past. You can also visit the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, and the Henry Ford Museum.
- #17. Mobile
- State: Alabama
- Year Established: 1702
Mobile is ranked as the oldest city in Alabama and also among the Oldest City in USA; it was founded by the French and established in 1702. Virtually every area in the city has a historical touch and you can explore the famous African American Heritage Trail (which houses a minimum of 40 historic sites). The city still serves as the major port facility in the state. To learn about the rich history of the city, you can visit the University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum, or tour the Phoenix Fire Museum and the Mobile Medical Museum.
- #18. San Antonio
- State; Texas
- Year Established: 1717
The city of San Antonio is known to hold and preserve rich cultural heritage dated back to the early 1700s. The city was established as a Spanish Mission and the construction of a garrison and later on the construction of a Catholic mission and trading post. The battle of the Alamo is a famous history of the fight for independence from Mexico is reserved as a museum. Also, it is a place of beauty and rich culture
- #19. New Orleans
- State: Louisiana
- Year Established: 1718
New Orleans original name was Nouvelle-Orleans as called by the French man Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville who was the founder of the city. Its proximity and access to the Gulf of Mexico and the port of Biloxi makes this place a great trade area. The city is characterized by the rich history making it a huge tourist spot.
- #20. Savannah
- State: Georgia
- Year Established: 1733
Savannah is a notable city in the state of Georgia were the first city to be established there and it’s the oldest city in Georgia established on the Savannah River. The city which once served as the capital of Georgia once was the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia. The city is characterized by natural beauty and much historic architectural structures which thousands of tourists troop in to see.
- #21. Lexington
- State: Kentucky
- Year Established: 1775
Lexington was established seventeen years before Kentucky was declared a state. The city used to be a rich hunting ground for Native American Tribes. The city became the wealthiest city in Kentucky by the year 1820. Lexington is regarded as the horse capital of the world and serves as an exciting destination for horse lovers.
- #22. San Francisco
- State: California
- Year Established: 1776
The beautiful city of San Francisco came to being when Spain colonials established Presidio of San Francisco at the Golden Gate as well as the Mission San Francisco de Asis, just a couple of miles away. Both names were named after St. Francis of Assisi. The city has grown to be a major city in the United States. Thanks to the Gold Rush of 1849 that paved the way for the city’s development.
- #23. Washington DC
- Year Established: 1790
Washington D.C was established as the national capital by President George Washington, which carved out from Philadelphia where it originally was moved to its new district. Washington D.C. is one of the most popular cities in the world being the capital of the United States and where the White House is established. More so, the city is home to numerous museums and historical sites which attracts thousands of visitors from across the world.
- #24. Memphis
- State: Tennessee
- Year Established: 1819
Memphis is famous for the Rock ‘n Roll music and also the place Blues Genre began. For this reason, Memphis is visited by thousands of tourists who are thrilled to visit the very recording studio at Sun Studios (1950). The city is home to historic districts where you can see some of the preserved original buildings. Also, don’t miss out from visiting the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum as well as the Blues Hall of Fame.
- #25. Honolulu
- State: Hawaii
- Year Established: 1898
Honolulu was not originally incorporated into the United States not until 1898 when it became part of the country making it the seventh Oldest City in the US. The city started out initially as a modest village but came to limelight and blossom becoming a trading centre and later a vital US military post. There are different historic parks to visit in this city including the several historic sites including Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and Kilohana Plantation Estate,
Conclusion on the Top 25 Oldest Cities in the US Today – All You need to know
These are the Oldest Cities in the US and most of them have one thing in common, they are all tourist attraction centres. Looking at most of these cities gives us an idea of the diverse cultures of the United States. Interestingly most of these cities have developed to be among the major cities in the United States.
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