St. Augustine, Florida is a treasure trove of historical adventures and exciting tales of bravery and survival. Four centuries of history are contained within both ancient edifices and villages reliving the days of old. History lovers young and old will come away from this magnificent European-style city with a feel for the past and a love of St. Augustine's beauty and age.
What makes St. Augustine, Florida
a mecca for aspiring historians and curious travelers alike? Although Santa
Fe and San Antonio
can boast Hispanic culture, they are nowhere near as old and venerable as this
ancient Spanish outpost. In the 430-plus years since its beginning, St.
Augustine has become famous for many things. The
distinction of "Oldest City"
makes it a tourist destination to thousands; looking beyond the souvenir shops
and modern amenities, there is a city rich with hundreds of years of historical
significance.
St. Augustine has a certain aura
to the visitor. The ancient coquina-rock walls and balconied houses along St.
George Street's shopping district are reminiscent
of old Spain,
and there is much history behind those walls.
Founding and Flowering of America's
Ancient City
St. Augustine's actual birth
occurred on September 08, 1565,
when it was declared a Spanish municipality by explorer Don Pedro Menendez de
Aviles, but its origins as a Native American town go many hundreds of years
before that date. The Timucuan Indians were prospering along the banks of the St.
Johns River when Menendez and his seasoned warriors arrived, and
quickly gave the Indian council house to the soldiers to use as a base.
Although relations grew ugly in the coming months, the Spaniards were here to
stay.
For two hundred years, Spaniards retained control of San Agustin, as they
knew it, and made it into an enduring Spanish colony. Many times the citizens
faced death by pirate attacks, floods, storms and warfare, but the city always
showed its courage by pulling through. By the 1800s, St.
Augustine was known for the healthful glow it put back
into the faces of the chronically ill, and those who came to enjoy the health
benefits came away with a sense of awe for this ancient city. Over the decades,
ancient houses that had fallen into decay were restored, streets were covered
with cobblestone to add to the historic flavor, and walkways and gardens were
beautified.
Some of St. Augustine's
historical attractions are out in the open for all to see, such as the
400-year-old Castillo de San Marcos,
a Spanish defensive fortress; others, like Fort
Matanzas, are more obscured to the
common tourist. How does one begin exploring the historical aspects of the
city? A guidebook is helpful in determining what to see first, and the
trolley and carriage tour guides will impart you with some good leads.
Ancient Spanish Forts and Timeless Tales of Bravery
Castillo de San Marcos is the defining element of St.
Augustine's "look." Its construction with
tiny local shells known as coquina began in the 1670's and was completed in
1695, and since that time it has never fallen to an enemy. The 1700s brought
many trials to the garrison at the Spanish fort. In 1702, an Englishman by the
name of Moore burned the entire
city, but the Castillo stood its ground and would not relent. In 1740, mere
decades later, General Oglethorpe of Georgia
tried his luck against the might of the fortress. He, too, failed. The Castillo
succeeded in guarding St. Augustine's
population for year after year.
Today, Castillo de San Marcos is
serviced by the National Park Service, and is open year-round. The damp,
shadowy rooms and simple architecture carved in stone bear ample testimony to
its age. The Spanish chapel, guardrooms, gun deck and many other colonial
features are still explored by thousands each year. On weekends there are often
cannon-firing demonstrations on the front yawn (please be advised to cover your
ears when the reenactors ask you to do so; you’ll be glad you did!) This is a
fascinating activity that shows what 18th century life was like for the Spanish
soldiers.
Fort Matanzas
is a little-known tourist attraction, but if 18th century warfare is in your
realm of interest, or perhaps you are just curious, it's worth the free ferry
ride over to Rattlesnake Island.
Located on Anastasia Island,
the huge island bordering St. Augustine,
the fort is about 15 miles from St. Augustine
itself. It is at this spot in 1565 where many French Protestants (Huguenots),
soldiers from Fort Caroline
in present-day Jacksonville, were
martyred for their beliefs by Menendez's Spanish soldiers. In 1740 construction
began on Fort Matanzas.
Matanzas is the Spanish word for
"slaughters." This small fortress was used to keep on eye on St.
Augustine's outer reaches, to make sure enemies were
not sneaking in from behind. Although small, there are some great opportunities
here to photograph the fort and the picturesque river.
St. Augustine's Vibrant
Christian Heritage
Mission Nombre de Dios. Right in the heart of town, located
off San Marcos Avenue, is
one of the most peaceful spots in the United
States. Here you will find the Spanish-style
mission, a beautiful, spiritual place to reflect, no matter what your religious
orientation may be. The actual mission is known as the Shrine of Our Lady of la
Leche. After crossing the glittering lagoon, you'll come to the mission
grounds, scattered with historical tombs, statuary, fountains, benches and
religious artwork. Here on September
08, 1565, Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales had the first
Catholic Mass in America.
This rooted Christianity permanently in the New World.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is located around
the central plaza, close enough to the bay to smell the ocean breeze. This
beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style architecture has dominated the downtown
since 1797, weathering fires, the elements, and travelers of all ages. Tours
are often given at the cathedral, so watch for an opportunity to witness the
huge gilded statues, the altar, the ancient architecture, and much more. The
cathedral is still used as a church by the Catholic community so tours are only
available when the building is not used for worship.
Exceptional Historic Villages that Bring the Past to Life
Spanish Quarter
Village,
located on colonial-influenced shopping mecca of St.
George Street, is a refreshing change from the
souvenir shops and modern commercialism. Step inside nine houses reconstructed
to appear as they did in 1740, when St. Augustine
was already nearly two hundred years old. "Villagers" dressed in
period costume might be sewing, doing carpentry work, cooking, or blacksmithing
when you arrive, so be sure to keep your eyes open. They're happy to answer any
questions you have about colonial days.
The village is beautifully shaded, filled with graveled walkways and rustic
wooden fences with signs naming the different homes. Tour the wonderfully
restored 18th century homes, such as the wooden Casa de Gomez (Gomez House) and
see how the military garrison members and their families lived. If St.
Augustine souvenirs, historical and otherwise, are
your desire, the Spanish Quarter gift shop has a very wide array of interesting
items, and it's well worth the visit.
Old St. Augustine Village can be found at 246
St. George Street, and represents a slightly later
time period in St. Augustine's
history. With a variety of colonial and Victorian homes dating from the late
1700s to the early 1900s, Old St.
Augustine Village
is another way to "put yourself in the shoes" of the city's past
residents. Nine homes, both simple and elegant, are available for exploration,
and costumed guides are there to help. The buildings are much different from
that of the homes in Spanish Quarter, and a few of the reenactors may be
available to discuss St. Augustine's
later history, such as the men who fought in the American Revolution of the
1770s.
Other Sites of Special Interest to the History Buff
Fountain of Youth
Park.
This is a fun historical adventure for the St. Augustine
visitor. This ancient site had been home to the Timucuan Indians for centuries
before the Spaniards' arrival in 1565, and Indian burials on the site proved
their dominance. The original colony of San Agustin, the oldest European
settlement in America
that survived the centuries, was founded down by the river on the Fountain of
Youth grounds. There are many other things of historical import here. Exhibit
areas and statuary mix with exotic birds and artifacts such as huge bronze pots
and cannons. Spanish music filters softly over the grounds' graveled walkways.
Be sure to go to the Springhouse to get a drink from the legendary Fountain of
Youth! It may not be the best-tasting water you’ll ever have (actually, far
from it!) but it is a good way to appreciate the symbolism of the site. A small
lunch stand and a large gift shop are available on the premises.
Huguenot Cemetery.
Paying tribute to the 16th century French settlers, the Protestant cemetery,
originally constructed outside of St. Augustine's
gates, was opened in the mid 1800s for yellow fever victims. The small cemetery
is cloaked in shade and its ancient wooden and wrought-iron gates are sometimes
open to visitors. Just off St. Augustine's
bustling St. George Street,
the Huguenot Cemetery
is an oasis of calm reflection.
St. George Street
is always flooded with tourists, and from personal experience I would suggest
going early in the morning, as soon as the street opens. There will usually
only be a few people out at this time, giving you ample times to explore the
colonial restored homes and the beautifully manicured rows of palm trees. Most
of the stores along the street open their doors around 10:00 A.M. The distinct architecture give this district
its charm. The buildings of the Spanish Quarter are visible over the high
walls, and sometimes you can peer in a window and see a colonial kitchen or
garden.
If you're hungry and want to eat as the settlers did, stop in for a bite at
the Spanish Bakery. This is a great eat. The plump beef and pepper empanadas
are great, but sausage dishes, Spanish stew, desserts and drinks are offered.
The smells alone are enough to put you in an 18th century state of mind! There
are numerous restaurants with differing fare available along the street as
well.
The Old Jail. This 1890's coquina edifice off San
Marco Avenue is a creepy and entertaining part of
history; with cells still intact, visitors can tour the Old Jail to get a feel
for Victorian crime and punishment and hear strange tales of former inmates.
Old Florida
Museum.
This is a different kind of village from the restored homes mentioned
previously. Three different time periods are represented here; Timucuan Indian
village of the 16th century, Spanish Colonial, and Florida
"Cracker" Pioneer. There are many kid-friendly activities, such as
playing Indian games, feeding farm animals, and "working" the various
machinery you'll find around the pioneer farm. Be warned: If crowds aren't your
thing, the gift shop and outside areas get very crowded when busloads of
schoolchildren arrive. Spending much time at the activities can be hampered at
best. My advice would be to wait in the corner, listening to the presentation,
until the army of children moves on to the next part of the complex, and then
take your time exploring!
Flagler Buildings. For a feeling of the Renaissance, take
notice of the huge Henry Flagler buildings – the Casa
Monica Hotel,
the Lightner Museum,
and Flagler College.
These Spanish Moorish-style buildings are huge, grand and stunning to behold.
With turrets, statuary, fountains, and stained glass windows, they're a basic
part of every tour and are a huge part of St. Augustine's
architectural beauty. Lightner Museum
provides a showcase for Otto C. Lightner's various collections, and you can
spend hours browsing his rare antiques here. Casa Monica is still used as first
class lodging, and expensive gifts and a restaurant are very close to the
establishment. All buildings were constructed in the 1880's, and lovingly
tended by successive generations.
Non-Historical Activities of Interest
Incase you get your fill of St. Augustine's historical attractions and want
to relax and have fun in the Florida sun, here are some additional activities you
might enjoy: