The main gate of Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida. August 4, 2009.
After visiting Betsy’s brother, Ray, in Jacksonville, we headed south to Ormond Beach for Betsy’s birthday. We travelled through Saint Augustine, and, since we had some extra time, decided to stop at Castillo de San Marcos.
The Spanish started construction on Castillo de San Marcos in 1672. The detail and architecture of the fort are both distinctive and unique. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry and the only existing 17th century fort in North America.
The outer walls of the fort. August 4, 2009.
The first 300 years of the existence of the fort were times of constant warfare as European countries vied for the economic wealth of the New World. The Castillo was attacked many times (mostly by the British) but was never captured.
The reconstructed city of St. Augustine, Florida. August 4, 2009.
The present National Park Service Monument consists of over 20 acres and includes a reconstructed section of the St. Augustine city wall.
Both Betsy and I enjoyed our visit to this, one of the oldest structures in the U. S. If you’re ever near St. Augustine visit the fort. We think you’ll enjoy it.
