what is the oldest building built by europeans in the united states?

Question

I am actually from Newport and am well aquainted with the viking tower, but it is inconclusively of viking origin. I like the Puerto Rico answer, but I meant in the continental United States. I would imagine it would be something in St. Augastine as well, but I have been unable to come up with a definitive answer online.

Answer 1

There is a tower in Newport Rhode Island that the vikings may have built. It is small rock thing. Compare that with what anyone can find for the west coast, as I am not that familair with the west coast buildings.

go here for a picture:
http://www.captainvic.com/bellave/bellave.htm

more info


from these, did our fair-haired forefathers leave clues to mark their passing? Some believe that a mysterious stone tower in Newport, RI, is the oldest building in America, built by the Vikings around AD 1050. Most academics think that it was built by a Colonial farmer, or by refugees of a Chinese treasure ship, but since no records exist, how do they know?
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/OVERrune.html

Answer 2

The oldest buildings aren't in the US, the oldest European constructions are in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. In this islands you can find constructions that are about 300 to 500 years old. For example the Porta Coelli Church, in a town name San German in Puerto Rico is about 400 to 465 years old. Is the 3rd oldest church in the West Indies. The oldest one is in the Dominican Republic named "Santa Maria Magdalena de Asis" Which some people thought the rest of Christopher Columbus were there, but that's another story. The ruins of Caparra, which was the first capital of Puerto Rico was built in 1508, later it was moved to the place where today you can find tha capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan.

If it is just in the continental US you must look for the areas of Texas, New Mexico, lower California and the area of the original 13 colonies.

Answer 3

The oldest structures on the territory that is now known as the United States are Pueblo villages of New Mexico. The Tiwa speaking people have inhabited Taos Pueblo continuously for over 1000 years. The related Chacoan civilization built extensive public architecture in northwestern New Mexico from CE 700 - 1250 until drought forced them to relocate. Another related culture, now best known as the Anasazi, created distinctive cliff dwellings in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona from the twelfth through to the fourteenth century.

Images of local Algonquonian villages Pomeiooc and Secoton in what later became coastal North Carolina survive from the late sixteenth century. Artist and cartographer John White stayed at the short-lived Roanoake colony for 13 months and recorded over 70 watercolour images of indigenous people, plants, and animals.


Hawaii's late entry to the United States gives it a substantial history of precolonial architecture. Late nineteenth century Hawaiian architecture shows European influence. Earlier structures reflect Polynesian heritage.

Answer 4

oldest european building on the soil of the usa.... hmm if it is not the viking tower mentioned above i would guess some building in St. Augustine, FL , founded by the spanish in the 16th century.

Answer 5

Disneyland.

Answer 6

The 'James Carter Nuts' House'.