St
Augustine in Central north-east Florida also known as the Ancient City
St
Augustine, Florida, also known as the `Ancient City', is the oldest city
in the United States as well as the longest continually occupied European
settlement in the continental United States. First discovered by the
Spanish admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, it was founded as San
Agustin.
The Castillo de San Marcos, built from 1672 to 1695, served as an outpost
of the Spanish Empire, guarding the town and protecting the sea route for
treasure ships returning to Spain. Although the castillo has served a
number of nations throughout its history, it has never been taken by
military force. During the eighteenth century, the castillo went from
Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, as a result of a
series of treaties.
The Spanish remained in power in Florida until the area was bought by the
United States in 1821. The castillo was renamed Fort Marion and was used
by the US army until 1899. Designated a national monument in 1924, the
elaborate fort with its double drawbridge became part of the national
park system in 1933. In 1942, Congress restored its original name of the
Castillo de San Marcos.
Built of coquina, a durable limestone construction of broken sea shells
and corals, the walls of the fortress remained impenetrable through 300
years of enemy mortar attacks and violent storms. Castillo de San Marcos
is built alongside picturesque Mantazas Bay with its well-preserved
Spanish style watchtower, Fort Matanzas, which provided a platform for
overseeing any potential enemy advance from the Matanzas River.
The town of St Augustine retains some of its original European charms.
Strategically located among the intercoastal waterway, the Matanzas river
and the Atlantic, the area's historic district has quaint cobbled streets
lined with charming cafés, bars, boutiques and guest houses.
The area is home to 69 km (43 mi) of lovely beaches offering the visitor
the opportunity to take advantage of the fishing, diving, surfing,
parasailing and many other water sports that are on offer. In addition to
its historical importance, St Augustine is simply a pleasant town to
visit.
