Fort San Juan, 16th century Spanish fort in Burke County, North Carolina, US
Fort San Juan features a trapezoidal shape with a two-meter-deep dry moat at the Berry archaeological site between two rivers in North Carolina.
Spanish conquistador Juan Pardo constructed Fort San Juan in 1567, making it the first European settlement in North Carolina, preceding Roanoke Island by 18 years.
The fort stood within Joara, a large Native American settlement where Spanish soldiers and indigenous people exchanged goods during early colonial interactions.
Archaeological teams from multiple universities conduct research at the Berry site, uncovering structural remains and artifacts from both Native American and Spanish inhabitants.
Native Americans destroyed the fort in 1568, killing all but one Spanish soldier, and later constructed a ceremonial mound over the settlement location.
Location: North Carolina
Inception: 1567
Founders: Juan Pardo
GPS coordinates: 35.82420,-81.73360
Latest update: May 22, 2025 10:18
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