González-Alvarez House: The Oldest House in the USA

The González-Alvarez House holds the title of the oldest residential building in Florida. It was built from coquina stone shortly after the British retreated from Castillo de San Marcos, leaving the city in ruins following conflicts with Native American tribes. The construction date is estimated to be 1702, making it one of the oldest houses in the United States.

Alongside other historic landmarks of St. Augustine, the house preserves the city’s distinctive Spanish colonial atmosphere. Visitors are often surprised to discover that it is not just an old building, but an entire museum complex filled with unique exhibits from the colonial era.

Why Is It the Oldest?

Tourists often call St. Augustine a piece of Spain in the United States. This small coastal city in Northeast Florida has retained an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country, largely thanks to its centuries-old architecture. One of its most remarkable landmarks is the González-Alvarez House, a museum and architectural complex that serves as a window into the past.

The Spanish colonial house was built in 1702 from coquina stone — a naturally occurring shell-based limestone found in Florida. While most buildings from that era in St. Augustine were wooden, this house was built from stone as a necessity after the destruction caused by the Third Native American War. The result was an elegant and durable structure, complete with colonial-style decorations, statues, and period furnishings that transport visitors back in time.

Fascinating Facts About the Oldest House

• It predates the United States
  When this house was built, the United States as a nation didn’t even exist yet.
• It has had more owners than a Hollywood mansion
  The house has changed hands multiple times, having been owned by Spaniards, British settlers, then Spaniards again, and finally, Americans.
• It was built to last
  Constructed from coquina stone, the house has withstood hurricanes, battles, and centuries of history. The material is so durable that it even absorbs cannon fire, making it a key element of St. Augustine’s defensive structures.

The González-Alvarez House is more than just a relic of the past — it is a living testament to the resilience and transformation of St. Augustine, standing strong for over three centuries.

Who Were Alvarez and Gonzalez?

The double surname of the oldest Spanish colonial house in the United States comes from the names of its first owner and its longest-residing family. The original owner was Tomás González, an artillery gunner who, according to museum records, served at the Castillo de San Marcos fortress.

During the American War of Independence, the house was owned by Mary Evans Pivet, a local midwife. Later, in 1791, the property was purchased by Jerónimo Alvarez, a baker, whose family lived there for over a century.

Today, a tour of the Oldest House in the USA offers visitors a full picture of colonial life. One of the highlights for tourists is the historical kitchen, where they can see how meals were prepared in the 18th century. The entire Oldest House Museum complex can be explored with a single ticket. And if you leave the planning to American Butler, we’ll ensure a fascinating tour with all the comfort and convenience you need.

What’s Inside the Oldest House?

The Oldest House Museum is protected by the St. Augustine Historical Society and includes several historical landmarks:

• Two museums showcasing Spanish and British colonial history.
• The Edwards Art Gallery, featuring rotating exhibits.
• An ornamental garden, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of history.
• A museum shop with unique souvenirs, books, and replicas of historical artifacts.

What else can you find inside?

• Antique furniture, portraits, and ceramics dating back to the Spanish rule.
• Original wooden beams that have witnessed more drama than an episode of Game of Thrones.
• Authentic colonial-era artifacts, from cookware to weapons — all either original or expertly recreated.
• A charming Spanish-style courtyard, shaded by lush plants, perfect for experiencing the old-world charm of St. Augustine.

Why Should You Visit?

If you’re tired of the usual tourist attractions, like skyscrapers and amusement parks, The Oldest House offers something unique — a chance to step into a world that existed over 300 years ago.

• See how people lived centuries ago
  No smartphones, no Wi-Fi, no food delivery apps — just pure history.
• Feel the spirit of St. Augustine
  The oldest city in the USA, where the past isn’t just in books — it’s all around you.
• Capture one-of-a-kind photos
  After all, how often do you visit a place older than the United States itself?