Agnostik
National Monument · FL

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.
Furnace for heating cannon balls
This furnace, in the water battery on the east side of the Castillo, heated cannonballs red hot to be fired at wooden vessels.
Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.
The Castillo features both iron and bronze cannon and mortar from the period.
Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.
Cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled five times a day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine
the Castillo commands the northern edge of the heart of downtown St. Augsutine.

Activities

  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film