Protecting St Augustine

St Augustine has a long and storied history. Originally settled by the Spanish in 1565, then handed over to the British in trade for Cuba in 1763, then back to Spain and finally ceded to the US in 1822. A common theme throughout was how to defend the vulnerable city from attacks, either from other countries or pirates. The Castillo de San Marcos was a 25 year construction project started in 1672 by the Spanish. They are very proud of the fact that the fort was never taken in battle, but only changed hands by treaty. Given the strategic position of the fort overlooking the narrow channel from the ocean and the 17 foot thick walls, it’s not surprising the fort was able to withstand all comers.

 

Chapel

Barracks

Storage of food and supplies

Reenactment by Spanish soldiers

Practice firing the cannon

St Augustine and harbor in the distance

Inlet from the ocean is behind us

 

But if not…