Castillo De San Marcos  - National Monument -  St. Augustine Florida

The Castillo de San Marcos,  was built 1672 thru1695, and served primarily as a Spanish outpost for the purpose of  guarding  the city of  St. Augustine, the Oldest European settlement in the united states, which is full of charm and history, and also for protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain. Major attacks were made against her in 1702 by Governor James Moore of South Carolina and in 1740 by General James Oglethorpe of Georgia. Neither siege was successful. Although the Castillo has served a number of nations throughout its history, it has never been taken by military force. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, all by treaty. The Spanish remained in power in Florida until the area was purchased by the United States in 1821. Tthe Castillo was used by the US army until 1899. The Castillo was made a National Monument in 1924 and became part of the National Park system in 1933. 

The Castillo de San Marcos took twenty-three years to build but, once in place, stood as the town's stalwart defender.  however, and to this day, the fort has never fallen to enemy attack.

There are several types of activities that take place at the Fort. There are museum artifact to view,  ashort video upon request, and re-enactments with cannon and musket firing. Call 904-829 6506 ext 234 for daily event schedules. There is a Junior Ranger program for children ages 6-12.

This Fort is many times larger than nearby Fort Matanzas, just South of this location by about 25 minutes drive. The Fort was constructed of native coquina stone, which was cut into blocks. One of the more notable events that happened there was that the Indian Chief Geronimo and the remnants of his tribe were sent there with his tribe in an attempt to keep them from uprising against the settlers. 

The first branch of the military that admitted Native Indians and Black persons were station in Castillo De San Marcos  

This is a #10 must see See our rating system

  ACCESSIBILITY
 The entire first floor of the Castillo is wheelchair accessible, with only the top gundeck unavailable to those in wheelchairs. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot.

The city  of  St Augustine has so much history to offer and many other attractions such as the Ripleys Museum of Believe it or Not.

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