NORTH DAKOTA- PEMBINA
Established: 1797
This oldest town’s official motto is: “Oldest Settlement in the Dakota Territories.” This town’s first official date in history was in 1797 when the first trading post was established. It was the first European settlement and was home to the first organized church, school, post office, border/customs house, and homestead. The town is named after the high bush cranberry that grows there.
OHIO- MARIETTA
Established: 1788
Marietta was the first city in the Northwest Territories and was officially founded in 1788 after the Adventure Galley sailed along the Ohio River and arrived there. It was once inhabited by the Hopewell and Adena Indians around 100BC-500AD, leaving behind a history of artwork. You can still see some of these designs today.
OKLAHOMA- FORT GIBSON
Established: 1824
The sign welcoming visitors into Fort Gibson declares it’s “The Oldest Town in Oklahoma.” It was founded in 1824 due to rising tensions between the Cherokee and Osage Nations. The US had to move their outpost further west. It was an essential spot in the westward expansion of the US due to its proximity to the river, making it the perfect starting point for many military voyages but was abandoned in 1857, and was opened back up during the Civil War.
I lived in NJ for many years and Newark wasn’t far from one of the towns I lived in. I also lived in D.C. and traveled to Williamsburg which is definitely worth the trip.
I found the history of these towns relative to Native Americans settling them poignant since these people were replaced by white men. We then put them in “reservations.” Not a very proud history.
My city, Victoria, Texas was founded in 1824 by Spanish Settlers under Martin DeLeon . It was named for Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus Victoria and Guadalupe Victoria, the first Mexican president. We are 201 years old now.
Lahaina is another, located on Maui, Hawaii.
Gloucester MA., Established in 1623.
St. Augustine – oldest continuously occupied, but Pensacola was established in 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna and Spanish settlers and is America’s First (European) Settlement. The king and queen of Spain visited Pensacola in 2009 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the 1559 Luna Expedition which established Pensacola. Magellan’s ship Elcano visited last year. Lots of heritage for both cities.