The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a historic fort located in St. Augustine, Florida.
It was built in the 16th century by the Spanish and served as a defense structure against pirate attacks and British invasions.
The British later took over the fort during the Seven Years’ War and remains one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States.
The monument is now under the care of the National Park Service and attracts visitors from around the world.
In this article, I will take you through the history of Castillo de San Marcos, how and when to visit, and finally, I’ll give you tips on how to make the best of your tour to this national monument.
Let’s first find out the history behind it:
The History of Castillo de San Marcos
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, but the first 100 years were marred by pirate attacks and poverty.
During that period, nine wooden forts were built and destroyed by rot, termites, storms, tides, and fires.
In 1668, English pirate Robert Searle attacked St. Augustine, killing 60 people, looting, and ransoming 70 others. This raid convinced the Spanish crown of the need for a stronger fortification.
It was not until 1672 that Governor Manuel de Cendoya and engineer Ignacio Daza began the construction of the Castillo de San Marcos. Made from coquina, a local limestone, the fort’s construction faced numerous challenges including financial setbacks, epidemics, and changing plans.
The fort was completed after 23 years of construction under six different governors (1695). The project cost approximately 138,375 pesos, much higher than the originally planned 70,000 pesos.
Labor Force
Local Native American tribes, including the Guale, Timucua, and Apalache, were the primary labor force. Despite being paid and fed, many faced mistreatment and harsh working conditions.
The labor took a toll on the Native American population, leading to disease and cultural assimilation, contributing to the foundation of the Seminole tribe.
Free and enslaved Africans also worked on the Castillo. The Spanish system allowed for self-purchase or service to the crown for freedom, creating a class of free blacks in St. Augustine.
The fort became a refuge for enslaved people escaping from the English colonies, offering freedom through service to the Spanish crown.
The construction workforce also included professional artisans from Cuba, Spain, and the Carolinas, English prisoners, and local Spanish peons. Convicts and soldiers also contributed to the construction.
Colonial Conflicts
In 1702, the fort withstood a siege by British forces from South Carolina during Queen Anne’s War. And between 1739 to 1748, during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, the British again laid siege but failed to capture the fort.
Florida was ceded to Britain following the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The fort was renamed Fort St. Mark.
20 years later, after the American Revolutionary War, Florida was returned to Spain and the fort’s name reverted to Castillo de San Marcos.
In 1821, Florida was ceded to the United States and was renamed Fort Marion.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the fort was held by Confederate forces until 1862 when it was recaptured by Union troops.
The fort was used to imprison Apache leader Geronimo and other Apache families in 1886. The fort was later decommissioned as a military post in 1900.
In 1924 Fort Marion was designated a National Monument and in 1933, the fort was handed over from the War Department to the National Park Service.
Then, in 1942, Congress approved renaming it Castillo de San Marcos to honor its Spanish heritage.
Let us now look at the significance of this fort and what makes it important…
The Significance of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
These are some of the facts about the fort that make it significant and worth learning about:
- It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, symbolizing the early European colonization efforts in North America.
- The fort played a crucial role in protecting St. Augustine, a strategic Spanish stronghold, from pirate attacks, British sieges, and other threats during its colonial period.
- The fort is built from coquina, a unique local limestone composed of shell fragments, which proved to be highly durable and resistant to cannon fire.
- Its star-shaped design reflects the advanced military engineering of the time, intended to provide a strong defensive position.
- The construction involved a diverse group of laborers, including Native Americans, African slaves and freedmen, Spanish soldiers, and artisans from various backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural dynamics of colonial Florida.
- The Castillo de San Marcos represents the resilience and determination of the Spanish and their allies to maintain their presence and protect their interests in the New World.
- Designated as a National Monument in 1924, the fort is preserved as a historical site where visitors can learn about the colonial era and its complexities.
When you visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, you get a chance to learn about the rich history of St. Augustine.
If you are planning to visit soon, here are some details worth knowing:
Exploring the National Monument Today
The Castillo de San Marcos is open to the public daily except for some specific days. Here are the details:
Castillo de San Marcos Opening Hours
- The Castillo de San Marcos is open daily, except on Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25).
- The fort opens at 9:00 a.m. with the last admission at 5:00 p.m. Visitors are required to leave by 5:15 p.m.
- The park grounds are closed from midnight until 5:30 a.m.
How much is the entrance fee at Castillo de San Marcos?
- Adults (16 and older): $15.00 per person, valid for 7 consecutive days.
- Children (15 and under): Free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
- Only credit and debit cards are accepted.
Passes:
- The following passes provide free entry for the pass holder and 3 adult guests (children 15 and under are always free):
- Golden Access and Age Passports
- Castillo Annual Pass
- Interagency Access, Annual, Military, and Senior Passes
- Passes must be presented with a valid driver’s license or state ID.
What special Offers are available at Castillo de San Marcos?
- Free admission on designated fee-free days. Check the National Park Service website for details.
- No refunds for weather-related closures of the fort’s upper level; lower interior rooms remain open.
How much is parking at Castillo de San Marcos?
- Castillo Lot: $2.50 per hour. Accepts coins, currency, credit, and debit cards. Only vehicles 21 feet or shorter (including trailers) are allowed.
- Alternative Parking: Consider using the city’s parking garage, a block away, for shaded parking.
- Larger Vehicles: Free parking for larger vehicles at the corner of West Castillo Drive and Riberia Street. Drop-off and pick-up are allowed at the Castillo lot.
Best Times to Visit:
- Low Visitation: Mid-September through mid-November is the least crowded time to visit.
- High Visitation: Expect higher visitor numbers during holidays (especially from Christmas to New Year’s), spring, summer, and winter school breaks, and weekends.
- School Groups: October-November and February-May see many school groups.
Weather and Climate:
- Summer: It gets hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It is important to use sun protection and stay hydrated.
- Winter: Cool to mild, with occasional cold spells, especially with northern or waterfront winds.
- Fall and Spring: Most temperate, with temperatures typically between 70-80°F (21-26°C).
Safety During Weather Events:
- The gun deck is closed during thunderstorms due to lightning risks.
- Check for tropical storms during hurricane season (June to November) before planning your visit.
Tips for Visitors
- Saturdays can see up to 3,500 visitors, so plan accordingly.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, UV protective sunglasses, and plenty of water.
- Visiting during fall or spring offers the most pleasant weather conditions.
Things to do at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Your visit to Castillo de San Marcos is designed to be flexible so as to cater to different interests, schedules, and abilities.
Here’s a variety of ways to enjoy your time at the park:
- Chat with Park Rangers
Our friendly rangers and volunteers are here to answer your questions and share insights about the fort’s history and culture. Look out for:
- Formal Presentations: These thematic talks last about 15-20 minutes.
- Informal Stations: Engage with cultural objects and ask questions at your own pace.
- Check the Schedule: Program times and topics vary, so ask staff upon arrival or look for signs in the courtyard.
- Experience Living History
Meet rangers and volunteers dressed in period costumes. They’re happy to pose for pictures, answer your questions, and tell you stories about life in the fort during its heyday.
- Historic Weapon Demonstrations
Watch thrilling musket and cannon demonstrations on weekends at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30. These displays bring the fort’s military past to life.
- Explore the Fortress
Wander through the fort’s rooms and check out the exhibits. Brochures and maps are available to guide your tour. For a digital experience, download the Castillo’s park app on Android and iOS.
- Become a Junior Ranger
Kids can earn a badge by completing the Junior Ranger program. Download the materials ahead of time, ask for a booklet upon arrival, or participate as a Virtual Ranger.
- Relax and Reflect
Enjoy some downtime with the best views of the city from the gun deck. The fort’s green space is perfect for a picnic or a shady nap.
- Immerse Yourself Virtually
Enhance your visit with the virtual tour, which lets you:
- Read exhibits without waiting in line.
- Watch ranger videos in the rooms where they were filmed.
- View 3D models of features like the well and Hot Shot Furnace.
- Access closed or inaccessible areas, like the gun deck during lightning storms.
Amenities at Castillo de San Marcos
When you visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, you can enjoy several amenities to enhance your experience:
- Visitor Center: Get information about the fort’s history, exhibits, and upcoming events.
- Park Rangers: Friendly staff available for questions and interpretive programs throughout the day.
- Restrooms: Facilities conveniently located for visitors.
- Gift Shop: Find souvenirs and educational materials related to the fort and its history.
- Picnic Area: Enjoy a meal or snack with a view of the fort’s surroundings.
- Parking: Paid parking is available nearby, including options for larger vehicles.
Now it is time for some questions and answers about the National Monument.
FAQ for the Castillo de San Marcos
Q: What are the unique features of Castillo de San Marcos?
A: Castillo de San Marcos is notable for being the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. It’s built from a unique type of shell stone called coquina, which absorbs cannon fire rather than shattering.
Q: How much is parking at Castillo de San Marcos?
A: Parking at the Castillo de San Marcos is $2.50 per hour in the nearby city-operated lot. Larger vehicles can park for free at designated areas a few blocks away.
Q: How much time do you need at Castillo de San Marcos?
A: A typical visit to Castillo de San Marcos can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the exhibits, attending demonstrations, and enjoying the views.
Q: What time do they shoot cannons at Castillo de San Marcos?
A: Historic weapon demonstrations, including musket and cannon firings, take place on most weekends at scheduled times. Check with park staff for the exact times during your visit.
Q: What is significant about Castillo de San Marcos?
A: Castillo de San Marcos played a crucial role in defending the Spanish settlement of St. Augustine against various threats for over 200 years, reflecting the struggle for control over the southeastern coast of North America.
Q: What are some fun facts about St. Augustine fort?
A: The fort withstood numerous sieges and attacks, including bombardments from British forces during the 18th century.
Q: What happened at Castillo de San Marcos?
A: Over its history, Castillo de San Marcos saw conflicts, changes in ownership between Spain, Britain, and the United States, and served as a military stronghold, prison, and a symbol of colonial power.
Q: Why is Castillo de San Marcos shaped like a star?
A: The star-shaped design of Castillo de San Marcos, known as a bastion fort, allowed for better defense against attacks from multiple angles, providing clear lines of fire for defending soldiers.
Q: Were skeletons found in Castillo de San Marcos?
A: No, there have been no records or reports of skeletons being found within Castillo de San Marcos. The fort primarily served military functions and did not function as a burial site.
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Conclusion
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a remarkable symbol of St. Augustine’s endurance and rich history.
From its early days defending against pirates and foes to its pivotal role in shaping the region’s story, this fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries past.
Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, military history, or simply the panoramic views, Castillo de San Marcos promises an unforgettable journey through America’s colonial era.
For those looking to explore more of St. Augustine’s heritage beyond the fort, consider joining St. Augustine Brewery Tours.
Book your tour today and uncover another side of America’s oldest city.