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The 15 Oldest Cities In The U.S. Ranked By Age

Ready to travel back in time? 

In this post, we’re counting down the oldest cities in the USA, each one packed with fascinating history and incredible stories. 

Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets, exploring centuries-old forts and standing where some of the most important moments in American history happened. 

Get ready to discover where it all began—let’s dive into the past and see which city claims the top spot!

We’re starting at number 15 and working our way up to number 1.

15. New Castle, Delaware – 1651

New Castle is a picturesque riverfront town located about 6 miles south of Wilmington, known for its well-preserved colonial charm. 

It was founded in 1651 by the Dutch under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant, originally called Fort Casimir, as a strategic trading post. 

Over time, it passed through Dutch, Swedish and British control, leaving behind a fascinating blend of European influences in its architecture. 

Walking through New Castle’s streets, you’ll find historic landmarks like the Old New Castle Courthouse, where Delaware voted to separate from Pennsylvania and England in 1776.

14. Newport, Rhode Island – 1639

Newport is a coastal gem located on Aquidneck Island, famous for its Gilded Age mansions and stunning ocean views. 

Founded in 1639 by a group of religious dissenters seeking freedom, it quickly became a major seaport in colonial America. 

The city’s rich history includes being a hub for pirates, a major player in the American Revolution, and later, a glamorous summer getaway for America’s wealthiest families. 

Newport is also home to the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the U.S., Touro Synagogue, adding another layer of fascinating history to this charming seaside town!

13. Wilmington, Delaware – 1638

Wilmington is an exciting city located where the Christina River meets the Brandywine River, just 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia. 

It was founded in 1638 by Swedish settlers who established the colony of New Sweden and built Fort Christina, making it the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. 

Over the centuries, Wilmington grew into a bustling industrial and cultural center, especially known for its role in the manufacturing of gunpowder, led by the famous DuPont family. 

Today, you can explore its rich history through sites like the Hagley Museum and take in the blend of old-world charm and modern energy that defines this riverside city!

12. Providence, Rhode Island – 1636

Providence is a historic city situated at the head of Narragansett Bay, and it’s the state’s capital. 

Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Providence was established as a haven for religious freedom and tolerance. 

The city played a crucial role in both the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, with its textile mills and factories fueling rapid growth. 

Today, Providence is known for its colonial architecture, prestigious universities like Brown, and unique attractions like WaterFire, an art installation that lights up the rivers in downtown.

11. Hartford, Connecticut – 1635

Hartford is located along the Connecticut River and is the state’s capital. 

Founded in 1636 by Reverend Thomas Hooker and his followers, it became an early center for trade, and later played a pivotal role in the development of insurance, earning it the nickname “The Insurance Capital of the World.” 

Its historical legacy includes the famous Charter Oak, a symbol of Connecticut’s defiance against British rule. 

Today, you can explore cultural landmarks like the Mark Twain House and Wadsworth Atheneum.

10. Boston, Massachusetts – 1630

Boston is a historic city on the Atlantic coast, known as the birthplace of the American Revolution. 

Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists, Boston quickly became a key center for trade, education and political activism. 

Famous events like the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s midnight ride happened here, and you can still visit sites like the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall to experience its past. 

Today, Boston is a lively blend of old and new, home to world-class universities like Harvard and MIT, and offering charming neighborhoods, like Beacon Hill, alongside modern skyscrapers.

9. Jersey City, New Jersey – 1630

Jersey City is a bustling urban hub located right across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline. 

Founded in 1660 by Dutch settlers as “Pavonia,” it was one of the earliest European settlements in the region. 

Over time, Jersey City became a vital transportation and industrial center due to its location near Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Today, it’s a lively city with an exciting cultural scene, waterfront parks and diverse neighborhoods.

8. Salem, Massachusetts – 1626

Salem is a coastal town famous for its dark and intriguing history, located about 16 miles north of Boston. 

Founded in 1626, Salem is best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where hysteria led to the execution of 20 people accused of witchcraft. 

Today, Salem embraces its spooky past with fascinating museums, haunted tours and landmarks like the Witch House, the only building still standing with direct ties to the trials. 

Beyond the witchcraft history, Salem also boasts beautiful 18th-century architecture, a rich maritime past and a lively arts scene.

7. New York City, New York – 1624

New York City is a world-renowned iconic city located at the mouth of the Hudson River. 

Founded in 1624 by Dutch settlers as “New Amsterdam,” it later became New York when the English took control in 1664, growing into a major hub of trade, culture and immigration. 

The city’s history is full of iconic moments, from the American Revolution to Ellis Island welcoming millions of immigrants, shaping it into the diverse cultural melting pot it is today. 

With famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building, NYC is one of the most vibrant cities in the world!

6. Plymouth, Massachusetts – 1620

Plymouth is a historic coastal town best known as the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620, making it one of the most significant places in American history. 

It’s where the Mayflower passengers established one of the first permanent European settlements in North America, famously signing the Mayflower Compact. 

Plymouth Rock, the legendary spot where the Pilgrims first stepped ashore, remains a popular landmark today. 

The town is a living museum with attractions like Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where you can experience a recreated 17th-century Pilgrim village and learn about the Wampanoag people who helped them survive.

5. Albany, New York – 1614

Albany is the state’s historic capital, located along the banks of the Hudson River about 150 miles north of New York City. 

Founded by the Dutch in 1614 as a fur trading post called Fort Orange, it’s one of the oldest continuously chartered cities in the U.S. 

Albany played a key role in the American Revolution and later became a center for transportation with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic. 

Today, Albany is known for its impressive architecture, including the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza.

4. Hampton, Virginia – 1610

Hampton is a historic coastal city located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and one of the oldest continuous English-speaking settlements in America. 

Founded in 1610, it served as a key military and trade hub throughout early colonial history. 

Hampton is home to Fort Monroe, a massive stone fort built in the 1800s, which played a significant role during the Civil War as a Union stronghold and a place where enslaved people sought refuge. 

Today, Hampton offers a blend of history and modern attractions, with sites like the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and beautiful waterfront views along its beaches and marinas.

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico – 1610

Santa Fe is a vibrant city known for its blend of Native American, Spanish and Mexican cultures, situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

Founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists, it’s the oldest capital city in the U.S., and its rich history is reflected in the adobe architecture and historic sites like the Palace of the Governors. 

Santa Fe was a key stop on the historic Santa Fe Trail and played an important role in trade between Mexico and the United States. 

Today, it’s famous for its thriving art scene, with galleries, museums and festivals that showcase everything from traditional Native American crafts to contemporary art.

2. Jamestown, Virginia – 1607

Jamestown, founded in 1607, is the first permanent English settlement in America, located along the James River in what is now the state of Virginia. 

Established by the Virginia Company of London, Jamestown played a crucial role in the early colonization of America, despite facing harsh conditions, conflicts with Native Americans and severe famine. 

It’s famous as the place where Captain John Smith and Pocahontas forged a legendary connection, which helped ease tensions between the English settlers and the Powhatan people. 

Today, you can explore Jamestown’s fascinating history at the Jamestown Settlement Museum and Historic Jamestowne, where you can see archeological remains of the original fort and learn about life in the early colony.

1. St. Augustine, Florida – 1565

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the U.S., established by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. 

Located on Florida’s northeast coast, this charming city is famous for its centuries-old architecture, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive stone fortress that once protected the town from pirates and rival empires. 

St. Augustine features a blend of Spanish, British and American influences, which is reflected in its historic streets, beautiful colonial-style buildings and exciting festivals.

Today, you can stroll along cobblestone streets, explore the colonial quarter and enjoy the city’s mix of history, culture and seaside charm.


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Sophie Davis

Born and raised in the Bay area of California, Sophie is a California native. She joined our team in 2023 to create travel guides on California and the rest of the states.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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