To better understand the economic aspects of early Florida and to gain an understanding of the continuity of history and economics, students analyze the economic origins and evolution of St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States. This lesson plan involves taking the students on a field trip to St. Augustine where they form teams and research the economic history of the city as both an historical and economic topic. Students share their findings through a class presentation and write a paper for the instructor. The lesson plan provides a rationale; cites goals and objectives; describes procedures; discusses content; and covers evaluation. (Contains a 42-item bibliography.) (BT)