Built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos is one of the most historically significant structures in Saint Augustine. Designed to protect what is now “America’s oldest city”, the coquina fort was positioned strategically on Matanzas Bay. Since construction was completed the fort has changed hands five times, but never through force. Military agreements or political treaties had led to the area being controlled by the Spanish (1695-1763), the British (1763-1784), the Spanish again (1821-1861), the United States of America (1821-1861), the Confederate States of America (1861- March 1862), and finally the United States again (1862-1900).
The fort was built to withstand sieges and keep the people of the city safe until reinforcements arrived or the attack ended. This is something that has been done very successfully in the history of the city. However, this is not the only use that befell the fort and at times it was used to jail many Native American leaders during the American Territorial Period and during “manifest destiny” (1870s-1880s). Renamed Fort Marion it saw little action during the Civil War, and local authorities gave control of the city to the USS Wabash on March 11, 1862. The fort was used again as a prison, holding almost 200 court-martialed deserters for the American Army. At the end of the 19th century, the fort completed its long tour of duty (205 years) and was made a national monument in 1900. In 1933 she was given her original name back, and she still stands as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Kristina and I arrived in Saint Augustine in the afternoon and first we stopped for lunch in the historic section of the city (which is walking distance to the fort). When visiting the city there is plenty to do, from shopping and food, to “ghost” and history tours. There is even a craft distillery and the entire historical center is decorated in white lights during the holiday season. We were visiting in the summer, however, and as a result it was very hot and humid.
Walking up to the monument you can see its significance to the city. Positioned on the city wall and harbor she stands ready for any attack. Before entering we stopped by the fee station and used our annual pass, which is still the best birthday gift. There is only one entrance, which is surrounded by walks and forces you to cross what was once a moat. Walking inside takes you back in time, with the tourist families and the information desk being the only things that seem out of place. We immediately went into the gift shop near the entrance and got our Passport to the National Parks stamped for this stop. Next, we began to walk around the bottom areas of the fort. Going room to room we were able to read displays about the history of the fort and what each area was used for. Some videos were playing in a loop, including one that showed a drill team demonstrating the firing of the old Spanish cannons. We continued to walk around the fort and enjoyed the view from the top of the structure. Imagining what it might have been like to see nothing but the white sails of an enemy ship approaching from the inlet.
While we had a good time visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, it was not somewhere we stayed for a very long time. Having seen the entire section, and the fact that this was July in Florida, we began our walk back to the car. We are planning on visiting the fort again, to watch one of the cannon drills in person.
*Plan Ahead
For any visit to Florida in the summer, it is very important to be aware of the weather. Temperatures can reach near 100 degrees with very high humidity most days between May and August. On top of this strong thunderstorms can build and move quickly during this time of year, making it even more humid after the rains stop. Water, sun protection, and being aware of the signals your body is giving you are a MUST. Be safe in your journeys at all times.
For More Information
• Please visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in Saint Augustine, Florida in person, or online at www.nps.gov/casa.
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