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The statue of Henry Flagler, located outside the main entrance of Flagler College in St. Augustine.

Historical People

Important historical people in St. Augustine.

Individuals – famous, infamous, and lesser-known – have shaped St. Augustine’s history. For more than 450 years, these figures from all over the world have lived in and visited St. Augustine. Their impacts can be seen, heard, felt, and tasted all over the city. Explore their profile pages to discover the many voices that come together to tell the story of St. Augustine, Florida.

Featured History Articles View All

Storm Troopers with an Easter flair march in the St. Augustine Easter Parade

Our Offbeat Easter Parade

St. Augustine's Easter Parade shows off history, tradition, and lots of surprises along the way.... Read More

Mama Blue performs at Romanza in St. Augustine.

What is Romanza?

Discover a love of all things cultural in St. Augustine with Romanza. Read More

A detailed map of the city of St. Augustine, Florida, circa 1885.

Visiting Black History Museums

To answer your question: “Where can I learn about Black history in St. Augustine?”... Read More

Collage with red patterned background. Pencil portrait of a Black woman in Spanish colonial garb in the foreground.

Luisa de Abrego

First documented Christian bride in the United States.

Collage over a red textured background. An illustrated portrait of General Jorge Biassou, a Black man in a colonial hat and military uniform.

Jorge Biassou

Florida's first Black general.

Collage with red patterned background. B&W bust photo of Frank Butler in foreground.

Frank B. Butler

Entrepreneur and founder of historic Butler Beach.

Illustration of a African American man in Seminole garb folding his hands at a table.

John Caesar

Leader during the Second Seminole War.

B&W illustration of a Black man dressed in Seminole garb.

John Cavallo

The most prominent Black Seminole leader.

Frederick Douglass photographed in 1862

Frederick Douglass

Writer, abolitionist, and political leader.

A colored image of Dr. R. B. Hayling, circa 2014. He is an old Black man with white hair and perceptive eyes.

Dr. Robert B. Hayling

Leader of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement.

Collage with red pattenred background. B&W bust of Zora Neale Hurston in foreground, she is smiling wide and has a drumstick in one hand.

Zora Neale Hurston

Anthropologist, author, preserver of memories.

Shoulders-up B&W portrait of Dr. King gazing into the camera.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK was an orator, Reverend, and iconic Civil Rights activist.

An older Black man dressed in the garb of a 1700s Spanish Soldier standing in the green space of Fort Mose Historic State Park.

Francisco Menendez

Leader of the fort and town of Mose.

Minerva King speaks with visitors at the Boone Hall Plantation.

Oral Historian Discusses The Gullah Geechee Language

Charleston historian shares stories in a dialect unique to the southeastern United States.

Sepia photograph of an old Black man (Luis Fatio Pacheco) in a hat and suit. His white beard circles his chin from ear to ear.

Luis Fatio Pacheco

Polyglot, Interpreter, Freedom-seeker.

Collage with red patterned background. Foreground shows a sepia bust portrait of Dr. D.W. Roberts.

Dr. D.W. Roberts

Trailblazing physician, public servant.

B&W, classroom of young Black students seated at desks, priest and Sister stand behind.

Sisters of St. Joseph

One of the first Catholic orders to educate Black people after the Civil War.

B&W portrait of Richard Twine, edited to add drop shadow.

Richard Aloysius Twine

St. Augustine’s first professional Black photographer.

Barbara Vickers (an older Black woman wearing glasses) stands in front of the bronze monument to the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers.

Barbara Henry Vickers

Local WWII patriot and Civil Rights activist.

Sepia-toned lined portrait of Black Seminole leader Abraham. He holds the muzzle of a gun, a headwrap, and furs on his shoulders.

Abraham

Counsel to Seminole Chief Micanopy.

Illustration of a Black man in Seminole garb. dark cloudy BG.

Nero

Leader during the First Seminole War.

A Black woman in 1800s garb holding out laundry in front of her.

Rosa

Enslaved woman who lived during the Second Spanish Period.