"Basaic Castillo de San Marcos Page" Castillo de San Marcos National Monument by Basaic

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 92 photos

Castillo de San Marcos - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Spanish began construction of a fort overlooking the St. John's River in 1672. The fort was in a strategic position to protect interests all along the river and the small town of Saint Augustine. The monument has over 20 acres and includes the Cobi Line a reconstructed section of the walled defense line surrounding the city of Saint Augustine incorporating the original city gates. The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry and only 17th century fort in North America still in existence. it is an excellent example of the "bastion system" of fortification. The Castillo is a very interesting place to visit. I grew up in nearby Jacksonville so I came here often as a kid.

The Courtyard

The courtyard in the middle of the fort was an important part of life. The military used it for training and to conduct drills. During the siege of 1702 thousands of people fled the town of San Agustin to the safety of the fort. Many of them lived in the courtyard, becausethe fort was not built to accomodate so many people.

Period Reenactments

Guy in Period Costume

The castillo has many volunteers who dress in period costume and reenact various activities performed during the 18th Century. This guy is dressed as a member of the Spanish Garrison and is giving a talk on the uniform and weapons the garrison used. They also had a guy that gave a discussion on medical instruments and practices during the era and they reenacted the firing of one of the cannons. If you get the chance to see (and hear) the firing of the cannon, don't miss it!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A very interesting piece of early US History!!

Last visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: Dec 2008
Intro Updated Apr 2, 2009
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Reviews (11)

Sara addressing the tour - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Take the Tour Things to Do (11)

You can go on a self-guided tour of the castillo or you can take a tour guided by one of the rangers. The tour is... more travel advice

Period Reenactments Things to Do (11)

One of the most interesting parts of your visit will be the people walking around in period costume. The castillo has... more travel advice

Soldier's Quarters - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Soldier's Quarters Things to Do (11)

Of course most of the time at the castillo was not involved in battle. Some of the soldier's lived here so it was... more travel advice

Vigia - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Vigia Things to Do (11)

On some corners of the castillo you will see these small towerlike structures. These are called Vigia. They were used to... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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SLLiew Sep 15, 2010 at 6:45 PM

A very interesting fort to visit. Thanks for shaing. SL :)
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Yaqui Jun 16, 2010 at 8:28 AM

Neat place. I so enjoy the forts and the history associated with it! Nice page!
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DEBBBEDB Apr 11, 2009 at 10:31 AM

Nice explanation of the fort