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.