Discover the Oldest Town in Each State
The United States is home to a tapestry of cities that have stood the test of time, each bearing witness to centuries of history and change.
From the cobblestone streets of New England to the sun-drenched cities of the Southwest, these places offer a glimpse into the nation’s storied past.
Exploring the oldest city in each state unveils a mosaic of architectural wonders, cultural traditions, and countless stories of triumph and tribulation.
Mobile | Alabama
Originally established as the capital of French Louisiana in 1702, Mobile has been a critical port city for over three centuries. The city is home to Battleship Memorial Park, a military park that includes war memorials and the USS Alabama.
Kodiak | Alaska
Russian fur traders arrived in the land that would become Kodiak in the mid-18th century, and they established the city in 1792 as the first capital of Russian America. The area is popular for those seeking adventure and eager to see Alaskan salmon, Kodiak bears, elk, and other wildlife.
Tucson | Arizona
First established in 1775 as the northernmost Spanish outpost, Tucson was developed as the Presidio of San Augustin del Tucson. It remains a beloved spot in the Sonoran Desert with breathtaking views of scenic desert landscapes.
Arkansas Post | Arkansas
Considered to be the original European establishment in Arkansas, the Arkansas Post was established in 1686, making it one of the oldest communities in the American South. The Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves the site of this settlement and the area’s history.
San Diego | California
Described as the city where California began, San Diego was established as a fort and mission in 1769. It was first settled by the Spanish and became part of the United States in 1848. San Diego offers lots of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and La Jolla Cove.
San Luis | Colorado
Settled by the Spanish in 1851, San Luis retains its classic Spanish layout, and the influence of Adobe architecture can be seen throughout the community. The Great Sand Dunes National Park includes scenic dunes towering up to 750 feet.
Windsor | Connecticut
First established by the English as a trading post in 1633, Windsor was a colonial farming town for centuries until the onset of industrialization. Its historical significance makes Windsor a popular destination and numerous parks offer many recreational opportunities.
Lewes | Delaware
A colony was formed here in 1631, but the settlers were killed in 1632. The city became well-established again in 1682. Cape Henlopen State Park is a popular destination, offering natural beauty, a bit of history, and a dose of coastal charm.
St. Augustine | Florida
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Florida and the oldest city in the United States. It was established as a Spanish settlement decades before the English arrived along the Atlantic coast. St. Augustine is home to numerous attractions, including museums and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Savannah | Georgia
First settled in 1733, Savannah was originally the capital of Georgia. Today, it highlights the efficiency of town planning which occurred during the 18th century, retaining much of its original design. It’s also a treasure trove of historical sites — perfect for history buffs.
Honolulu | Hawaii
While the city that is now called Honolulu has operated as a major settlement for nearly 1,000 years, it was first established as a city in 1845. As Hawaii’s gateway to the world, visitors can enjoy a scenic landscape, the aloha spirit, and a diverse population.
Lewiston | Idaho
Established as a mining town in the wake of the Gold Rush in 1862, Lewiston was the first capital of the Idaho Territory. Lewiston is known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, home of the deepest gorge in North America.
Kaskaskia | Illinois
First established as a French Jesuit mission in 1703, Kaskaskia is the oldest city in Illinois and also one of the smallest. Most of the town was destroyed in an 1881 flood and Its current population is just 21 people.
Vincennes | Indiana
As is evidenced by its name, Vincennes was first established in 1732 as a French settlement. Before the Revolutionary War, the town was also occupied by the British. Vincennes is the site of the 1779 Battle of Vincennes, which has been honored with four warships named the USS Vincennes.
Dubuque | Iowa
While it was officially chartered in 1833, Dubuque, Iowa had been a thriving settlement for decades prior, making it the oldest continuously operating city in the state. Dubuque is home to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which offers fun for all ages.
Leavenworth | Kansas
Founded as the first city in Kansas in 1854, Leavenworth quickly became known as the starting point of the famed Oregon Trail that took pioneers out west. While it’s notable as the location of several prisons, it’s also home to the CW Parker Carousel Museum.
Harrodsburg | Kentucky
When it was founded in 1774, Harrodsburg became the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The town’s history has been retained in its rolling country fields, architecture, and historic stone fences.
Natchitoches | Louisiana
First founded in 1714 as a trading post aimed at improving relations between European settlers and the local Native American tribes, Natchitoches became the first European settlement in Louisiana. It remains a one-of-a-kind community that includes the National Historic Landmark District.
Kittery | Maine
Famously known as Maine’s first town, Kittery was settled in 1623 and incorporated by 1647. Kittery remains a popular southern Maine destination and is home to the Kittery Outlets, with more than 100 retailers.
St. Mary’s City | Maryland
When St. Mary’s City was established in 1634, it was designated as the capital of Maryland. It remains one of the nation’s premier historic sites and includes Historic St. Mary’s City, a reconstructed colonial town with a historic interpretation area, and four museums.
Plymouth | Massachusetts
Famously known as the first Pilgrim settlement, Plymouth, Massachusetts was believed to be the site of the landing of the Mayflower and was established in 1620. Today it’s a history lover’s paradise and one of the best spots for whale watching, dining, and shopping.
Sault Ste. Marie | Michigan
Founded in 1668 by Fr. Jacques Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie was originally one city that was separated by a river. The city is home to the famous Soo Locks, which aid transportation between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. It also has a Canadian sister city.
Stillwater | Minnesota
Founded in 1843 as a lumber town, Stillwater was first laid out as a city in 1848 and became the site of the convention that voted to form the Minnesota Territory. Nowadays it features a bustling downtown with breweries, wineries, and unique shops.
Natchez | Mississippi
Natchez, Mississippi — which is older than Mississippi itself — was first founded in 1716 as Fort Rosalie and was later renamed after the Natchez people. Visitors can marvel at its historic churches, ancient Indian mounds, antebellum mansions, and extraordinary collection of historic buildings.
St. Genevieve | Missouri
When St. Genevieve was founded in 1735 by French Canadians, it existed about two miles south of where it currently sits. Much of its original architecture has been preserved, creating a scenic city with narrow streets, fenced gardens, and 18th-century buildings and homes.
Stevensville | Montana
First established by the Jesuits as a mission in 1841, Stevensville retains much of its historic charm. Flanked by the Sapphire and Bitterroot mountains, the city offers plenty in the way of outdoor recreation and scenic views.
Bellevue | Nebraska
Bellevue was first founded in 1822 as a fur trading post, but it took decades for it to be incorporated as a city in 1855. It’s the oldest town west of the Missouri River and is the historical home of US Strategic Command.
Genoa | Nevada
Established in 1851 by a pioneer who wanted to establish a trading post, Genoa became one of the first permanent settlements in Nevada. The Genoa Historic District is home to the state’s oldest saloon and beautiful Victorian-era buildings
Dover | New Hampshire
First settled in 1623, Dover is the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire and the seventh oldest in the United States. Dover is the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — first published by Dover-based Mirage Studios in 1984.
Jersey City | New Jersey
Founded in 1660 by the Dutch as Bergen Square, this city eventually became part of Jersey City. Nestled in the shadow of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, it is known as the nation’s Golden Door.
Santa Fe | New Mexico
Established in 1610 as the first capital city of Nuevo Mexico, Santa Fe is the third-oldest continuously operating city in the United States. The oldest church in the continental United States, San Miguel Chapel, still stands in the city and Santa Fe is home to numerous historic sites and museums.
Albany | New York
First founded as a Dutch trading post in 1614 and chartered as a city in 1686, Albany is the second-oldest chartered city in the United States. Today, it still serves as the capital of New York.
Bath | North Carolina
Not only did Bath become North Carolina’s first town in 1705, but it also became the colony’s first port city. Its early years were marked by wars with Native American tribes, piracy, and political rivalries, but it remains a town of great historical significance.
Pembina | North Dakota
In 1797, Pembina was first settled as a trading post, but it officially became a city in 1843. It is most famous for being the home to the first post office in the United States.
Marietta | Ohio
Settled in 1788, Marietta became the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory and named for French Queen Marie Antoinette. Today it’s known as the “Riverboat Town,” situated at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers.
Fort Gibson | Oklahoma
At the time of its founding in 1824, Fort Gibson was the westernmost military outpost in the country, playing a critical role in securing the United States border at the time. It also served as the final point on the Trail of Tears.
Astoria | Oregon
Founded in 1811 thanks to its prime location on the Columbia River, Astoria is the oldest community in Oregon and the first settlement established west of the Rocky Mountains. It’s known as one of the nation’s rainiest cities and where The Goonies was filmed.
Chester | Pennsylvania
First settled by the Swedish in 1644, Chester was not incorporated as a city until 1866. Over time it transformed into a major industrial city that made ships during both World Wars.
Providence | Rhode Island
While many other US cities were founded as trading posts of military sites, Providence was founded in 1636 by preacher Roger Williams fleeing religious persecution. The home of Brown University, Providence offers everything from a renowned culinary scene to historic landmarks to waterfront views.
Charleston | South Carolina
Established by the English in 1670, and first known as Charles Towne, this settlement was the launch of the English colonization of South Carolina. Today Charleston is known for its historic architecture and vibrant culinary scene.
Fort Pierre | South Dakota
Settled thanks to the proximity of a bustling fur trading post, Fort Pierre became a prominent community in South Dakota and retains its historic charm to this day. Fort Pierre continues to provide a plethora of outdoor activities, including fishing and bird watching.
Jonesborough | Tennessee
Founded nearly 20 years before Tennessee became a state, Jonesborough was established in 1779. At the time, it was part of the North Carolina colony. A visit here is a journey back in time as visitors can learn about the history of a town that includes future presidents, bootleggers, abolitionists, and more.
Nacogdoches | Texas
Nacogdoches is considered to be the oldest continuously operating city in Texas, having been founded by the Spanish in 1779. It is still considered to be a quaint and charming Texas town and many famous Texas-related things can trace their roots back to the city.
Ogden | Utah
First settled by Mormons in 1846, Ogden was officially incorporated as a city in 1851. It was one of the first few cities incorporated west of the Mississippi River. It remains a popular outdoor mountain town offering plenty to do near the Wasatch Mountains.
Westminster | Vermont
While Westminster was chartered as a city in 1735, it took several decades before it had any permanent residents. The first permanent settlers arrived in 1751.
Jamestown | Virginia
Established in 1607 as the first English settlement, Jamestown was originally occupied entirely by men and boys. The first women arrived in 1619 to provide wives for the men and help them start families to expand the settlement. It remains a place of immeasurable historical significance.
Tumwater | Washington
Founded in 1845, Tumwater was originally named New Market. It was the first settlement on Puget Sound and inspired others to form nearby settlements. Tumwater Falls State Park is home to a scenic loop along the Deschutes River and three different waterfalls.
Shepherdstown | West Virginia
While the first settlement was recorded in the area in 1730, the first land grant for the area was given in 1734, when the first permanent settlers arrived. The town is perhaps best remembered as the place where James Rumsey invented the steamboat in 1787.
Green Bay | Wisconsin
While Green Bay was established as a fur trading post in 1634, it was not laid out as a city until the 1830s. Today, it is famously home to the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League who have played at Lambeau Field since 1957.
Fort Laramie | Wyoming
First established as a privately operated fur trading post in 1834, Fort Laramie quickly became one of the most critical military outposts in the American West. It was the site of several important treaty negotiations with the Northern Plains Indian Nations.
Explore the Oldest Cities in the United States Today
From the oldest English settlements in New England to former Midwest fur trading posts to sun-kissed southern cities, the oldest places in the United States offer a chance to step back into the nation’s past.
Visit these places for yourself and discover wondrous cities where the past meets the present. These historic cities offer plenty of modern amenities and activities, but they also pay homage to their rich histories with monuments, architecture, and museums.