Discover St. Augustine’s Historic Sites – Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States and is a city rich with history. From old fortresses to charming streets lined with colonial architecture, here are some of the most significant historic sites to explore.

Table of contents: (Hide)

• Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
• Mission Nombre de Dios and the Great Cross
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Fort Mose Historic State Park
• Fort Matanzas National Monument
• The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
• The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
• The Gonzalez-Alvarez House (Oldest House)
• Aviles Street
• Old City Gates
• Oldest Wooden School House
• Lightner Museum
• Flagler College
• Lincolnville and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
• Conclusion

Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Step back to 1565 at the site dedicated to the legend of Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. This park offers exhibits and demonstrations that bring to life the early days of European exploration in Florida. Although it sounds like a tourist trap, it is worth a visit.

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is situated on the original site of the first Spanish settlement in the United States, founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. The legend of the Fountain of Youth, a mythical spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks from it, has been associated with Ponce de León. However, no historical evidence supports the claim that he was specifically searching for it.

Archaeological Discoveries

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is not just a place of legend; it is also an important archaeological site. Excavations at the park have uncovered numerous artifacts, including evidence of a Timucua Indian village, which existed on the site before the arrival of the Spanish. The park includes a reconstructed Timucua village, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of the indigenous people who lived there long before European settlers arrived.

In addition to the Timucua artifacts, archaeologists have also found remnants of the early Spanish settlement, including the remains of a mission church and other colonial-era structures. 

Visitor Experience

Today, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park uniquely blends history and legend. Visitors can explore the 15-acre site, which includes various exhibits and attractions. One of the highlights is the Spring House, where you can drink from the famous “Fountain of Youth” spring, a tradition that has been part of the park’s lore for over a century. I am unsure if the water from the “Fountain of Youth” works. Ask me in a decade.

The park also features a planetarium, which provides an educational presentation about the navigation techniques early explorers used. It also includes some colonial-era exhibits, such as a blacksmith shop, where demonstrations of colonial-era blacksmithing are held. I particularly enjoyed the introduction to 1500 weaponry, like crossbows, arquebuses, and cannons.

• Hours: 9 am – 6 pm; Last Ticket Sold at 5 pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $22.95
  • Seniors (60+) $20.95
  • Children 6-12 $9.95
  • Children 5 and Under FREE

Mission Nombre de Dios and the Great Cross

Mission Nombre de Dios (“Name of God”) holds a significant place in the history of the United States. Founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is recognized as the site where the first Mass was celebrated in what would become the United States. This event also marked the beginning of continuous Christian worship in the country. The mission’s establishment was part of Spain’s broader strategy to spread Christianity and maintain control over its New World territories.

The Great Cross

One of Mission Nombre de Dios’s most striking features is the Great Cross, a towering monument on the mission grounds. The 208-foot stainless steel cross was erected in 1966 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the mission’s founding.

Visiting Mission Nombre de Dios

Today, Mission Nombre de Dios is a contemplative site, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the area’s historical and spiritual significance. The mission grounds include the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, which is dedicated to the nursing Madonna.

• Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
• Admission: Free; donations are accepted

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Construction began in 1672, under the orders of the Spanish Crown, and it was completed in 1695. The fort was built to protect St. Augustine, the capital of Spanish Florida, from potential attacks by European rivals and pirates. Before the Castillo, the city had been vulnerable to assaults, most notably by the English privateer Sir Francis Drake in 1586, which burned the city to the ground.

The Castillo was built using coquina, a locally sourced sedimentary rock composed of shell fragments. Coquina proved resilient; it could absorb cannon fire rather than shatter, making the fort nearly impregnable. The fort has a distinctive star shape, with four bastions that allow defenders to cover every angle of approach.

The fort’s walls are 14 feet thick at the base and taper to 9 feet thick at the top, ensuring a solid defense against artillery. Within its walls, the fort could house a garrison of soldiers, store supplies, and provide refuge for the city’s inhabitants during attacks. The interior features vaulted rooms, or casemates, which were used for storage, living quarters, and even as prison cells over the centuries.

Military and Cultural Significance

Throughout its history, the Castillo de San Marcos has changed hands multiple times, reflecting the shifting tides of colonial power in the Americas. It remained under Spanish control until 1763 when Florida was ceded to Britain as part of the Treaty of Paris. The British renamed it Fort St. Mark and held it until 1784 when Florida was returned to Spain. In 1821, Florida became a U.S. territory, and the fort was renamed Fort Marion, a name it retained until 1942.

The fort witnessed many key events, including attacks by British forces, occupation by Confederate troops during the Civil War, and its use as a prison for Native American leaders during the Indian Wars.

A National Monument

Designated a National Monument in 1924, the Castillo de San Marcos is now managed by the National Park Service. It has been meticulously preserved and restored, allowing visitors to explore its storied past and experience its impressive architecture. The site offers guided tours, historical reenactments, and educational programs that bring the fort’s history to life.

Visting Castillo de San Marcos

Allow an hour to visit the fort or two hours if you take one of the excellent ranger-led tours. 

• Hours: 9 am – 5:15 pm. The last admission is at 5 pm
• Admission: Adults (16 and older) $15 (valid for 7 consecutive days). Children are free when accompanied by an adult. The park does not accept cash.

Fort Mose Historic State Park

Fort Mose Historic State Park, located just north of St. Augustine, is a significant site in American history as the first legally sanctioned free Black community in what is now the United States. Established in 1738, Fort Mose (pronounced “Moh-say”) provided a haven for African slaves fleeing the British colonies to Spanish Florida, where they were offered freedom in exchange for converting to Catholicism and serving in the Spanish militia.

Fort Mose was founded by Manuel de Montiano, the Spanish governor of Florida, as part of Spain’s strategy to undermine British colonial power in the Southeast. Spain also had slavery, so offering freedom to English slaves was more about how to hurt the English colonies to the north than an act of conscience. This was the terminus of what was essentially the original Underground Railroad, which headed south to Florida rather than north to Canada.

Fort Mose played a key role in defending Spanish Florida, particularly during the War of Jenkins’ Ear in 1740, when the fort’s militia fought alongside Spanish troops to repel a British siege of St. Augustine. Despite being abandoned after the British invasion in 1740, the community was re-established in 1752.

Fort Mose remained a vital part of the region’s history until Florida was ceded to Britain in 1763, when most of its residents left with the Spanish rather than risk becoming enslaved again.

Visiting Fort Mose

The park features a museum and visitor center with exhibits that detail Fort Mose’s history and the daily lives of its residents, such as the militia leader and freed slave Francisco Menéndez.

As of this writing, the park is in the process of constructing a replica of the small fort. The site of the original fort is in the marshlands near the visitor center. Walkways lead into the march but not all the way to the original site.

Early in February, the park hosts an annual Flight to Freedom event. Costumed reenactors help the public get a better sense of what it would have been like to be an escaped slave trying to find your way from the Carolinas to freedom in Spanish Florida.

• Hours: 9 am – 5  pm
• Visitor Center/Museum Hours: Thursday through Monday, 9 am – 4 pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
• Admission: Free
• Visitor Center/Museum Admission: $2; children (under 6 years) are free

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument, located 14 miles south of St. Augustine, is a small but historically significant fortress that played a crucial role in defending Spanish Florida during the colonial era. 

Fort Matanzas was constructed between 1740 and 1742 by the Spanish to guard the southern approach to St. Augustine via the Matanzas River. The fort’s location was strategic; it controlled the “back door” to St. Augustine, preventing enemy ships from launching surprise attacks on the city from the south. The river’s name, “Matanzas,” which means “slaughters” in Spanish, refers to the 1565 massacre of French Huguenots by Spanish forces in the area, an event that underscored the violent struggle for control of Florida.

The decision to build Fort Matanzas came after the British, under the command of General James Oglethorpe, laid siege to St. Augustine during the War of Jenkins’ Ear. Although the Spanish successfully defended the city, the siege highlighted the need for additional fortifications to secure the region. Fort Matanzas, with its five-gun tower and small garrison, served as an early warning system for St. Augustine and was key in deterring British incursions.

The fort is relatively small and rectangular in design. It features a single watchtower and gun deck from which cannons could be fired to defend the river. The lower level of the fort contains living quarters for the garrison, which typically consisted of around seven soldiers. 

The fort remained under Spanish control until Florida was ceded to the United States in 1821. Afterward, it fell into disrepair and was largely forgotten until it was declared a national monument in 1924. The U.S. government, recognizing the site’s historical significance, began restoration efforts to preserve the fort for future generations.

Visiting Fort Matanzas

Today, Fort Matanzas National Monument is a popular destination for visitors interested in the history of Spanish Florida and colonial military architecture. The National Park Service manages the site and offers a variety of educational and recreational activities.

Visitors to Fort Matanzas must take a short ferry ride across the Matanzas River to reach the fort on Rattlesnake Island. The free ferry provides a scenic introduction to the area’s natural beauty and historic significance. Upon arrival at the fort, visitors will join a guided tour led by park rangers. These tours offer insights into the fort’s history, its role in defending St. Augustine, and the daily lives of the soldiers who were stationed there.

The visitor center at Fort Matanzas National Monument includes exhibits on the fort’s history, the Spanish colonial era, and the ecology of the Matanzas River area. The center also offers a short film that overviews the fort’s significance.

• Hours: daily, 9 am – 5:30 pm. The ferry to the fort operates from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It will not operate in bad weather, like thunderstorms.
• Admission: There is no admission fee for Fort Matanzas National Monument or the ferry ride to the fort. 

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

Who says that history can’t be fun? The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum is one of St. Augustine’s most engaging and family-friendly attractions. Located just steps from the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the museum offers an immersive experience that brings the legendary world of pirates to life. With its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational displays, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the swashbuckling history of piracy.

Piracy is deeply connected to the history of St. Augustine, a city that has been a target and refuge for pirates for centuries. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the waters off the coast of Florida teemed with pirates, privateers, and buccaneers who preyed on Spanish treasure fleets returning to Europe with gold, silver, and other riches from the New World. 

The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of authentic pirate artifacts. With over 800 pieces on display, the museum provides a fascinating look into the lives of pirates, their ships, and their treasure. The museum’s collection includes rare and valuable items such as original Jolly Roger flags, weapons, navigational tools, and treasure chests. Visitors can also see real gold doubloons and pieces of eight, which were the currency of choice among pirates.

The museum is designed to be an interactive experience, making it especially appealing to families and children. Visitors can explore a recreated pirate ship, complete with cannons and rigging. For kids, the Discovery Drawers offer a hands-on exploration of pirate life in the form of a scavenger hunt.

• Hours: daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Admission Costs:
  • Adults: $16.99
  • Seniors (60+): $14.99
  • Children (ages 5-12): $9.99
  • Children (under 5): Free

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, located in the heart of St. Augustine, is one of the city’s most well-preserved and historically significant buildings. Constructed in 1798, this house offers a glimpse into the life and culture of 19th-century Florida and is renowned for its role as one of the state’s earliest and best-documented boarding houses.

The house was originally built by Andrés Ximénez, a Spanish merchant, during the Second Spanish Period (1783–1821). The coquina stone house was initially a general store, tavern, and family residence. After Ximénez’s death, the property passed through several hands and eventually became a boarding house in the early 19th century.

The building features thick walls, high ceilings, and an open courtyard designed to keep the interior cool in the hot Florida climate. It has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance in the mid-19th century when it operated as a boarding house.

• Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.
• Admission:
  • Adults: $10
  • Seniors (60+): $8
  • Students: $8
  • Children (under 6): Free

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is the oldest Catholic parish in the United States. Its origins date back to 1565, when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established St. Augustine. Soon after founding the city, Menéndez established a parish to serve the spiritual needs of the settlers. 

The current cathedral’s construction began in 1793 during the Second Spanish Period, under the direction of Bishop Augustín Verot. It was completed in 1797 and consecrated as a cathedral in 1870 when the Diocese of St. Augustine was established. The cathedral’s design blends Spanish Colonial and Moorish architectural elements, reflecting the Spanish heritage of St. Augustine.

Visiting Information

• Hours: typically daily, 9 am – 5 pm
• Admission: free, but donations are appreciated
• Mass Times:
  • Daily Mass: 7 am and 12 pm (Monday – Friday)
  • Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 pm
  • Sunday Mass: 7 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm

The Gonzalez-Alvarez House (Oldest House)

The González-Alvarez House, often called the “Oldest House,” is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in the city. It dates back to the early 1700s, with the original structure believed to have been built around 1723 during the First Spanish Period (1565–1763). It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in St. Augustine from the early 1700s through the American territorial period.

 The house is named after two of its most notable owners: Tomás González, who acquired the house in the late 1700s, and Geronimo Alvarez, who owned it in the early 19th century. 

The González-Alvarez House is a prime example of Spanish Colonial architecture, characterized by its coquina stone walls, wooden second story, and steeply pitched roof.  The lower level was originally used for storage and living space, while the upper level housed the main living quarters. 

• Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm,  Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
• Admission Costs:
  • Adults: $15.00
  • Seniors (60+): $12.00
  • Students (ages 6-18): $8.00
  • Children (under 6): Free
  • Admission includes access to the González-Alvarez House, Tovar House, Manucy Museum, and the exhibit gallery.

Aviles Street

The oldest street in St. Augustine is Aviles Street. Originally known as Hospital Street, Aviles Street is recognized as the oldest public street in the United States. It dates back to the early days of the city’s founding in 1565, during the First Spanish Period.

Aviles Street was the site of the city’s first hospital, established by the Spanish to care for soldiers and settlers. The street was later renamed in honor of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the founder of St. Augustine.

Today, Aviles Street is a picturesque pedestrian street lined with historic buildings, many of which have been repurposed into art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. My favorite of the shops along this street is the Peace Pie ice cream shop, known for its ice cream sandwiches.

Old City Gates

The Old City Gates gates, located at the north end of St. George Street, mark the entrance to the historic district. They were constructed in 1808 as part of the defense system designed to protect St. Augustine from potential invaders. At the time, the city was still under Spanish rule, and the gates formed a crucial component of the larger wall that surrounded the city. This wall, known as the Cubo Line, was a coquina fortification extending from the Castillo de San Marcos along Orange Street.

The gates were the only way to enter or leave the city by land, making them a vital part of St. Augustine’s defense. Guards stationed at the gates controlled access to the city, ensuring that any visitors or potential threats were carefully monitored. 

Oldest Wooden School House

The Oldest Wooden School House in St. Augustine offers a glimpse into the early education system of colonial America. Located on St. George Street in the heart of the city’s historic district, this small, unassuming structure is recognized as the oldest surviving wooden schoolhouse in the country.

The exact construction date of the Oldest Wooden School House is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been built in the early 18th century. The school was originally a home constructed during the First Spanish Period, but it was converted into a classroom in the late 1700s.

The building is made of red cedar and cypress wood, with wooden peg fasteners, and sits on a coquina foundation. 

The school was owned by Juan Genoply, a Greek immigrant who taught both boys and girls in the small, single-room building. At the time, it was rare for girls to receive formal education, making the schoolhouse progressive for its era. The school was attended by children from various backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural community of St. Augustine, which included Spanish, Minorcan, Greek, and African American residents.

Visiting The Schoolhouse

The main room of the schoolhouse is the classroom, where visitors can see original desks, textbooks, slates, and other teaching materials that were used by students over two centuries ago. The room is small and modest, with wooden benches and a chalkboard. A figure of the schoolmaster stands at the front of the room, where lessons in reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion were taught.

The building served as a school and housed the schoolmaster and his family. The living quarters are located in the upstairs loft, which visitors can view during their tour. The living space is simple and functional, reflecting the humble lifestyle of the time.

Visitors can explore the small garden where herbs and vegetables were grown for the schoolmaster’s family. The garden area also features a replica of the original outhouse and a well.

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm; Friday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
• Admission:
  • Adults $7.95
  • Children 6-12 $6.95
  • Children 5 and under FREE

Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum is housed in one of the city’s most architecturally beautiful buildings.

In 1888, Henry Flagler, a prominent industrialist and co-founder of Standard Oil, constructed the Alcazar Hotel. Henry Flagler was a key figure in the development of Florida’s east coast, transforming the region by extending the Florida East Coast Railway, which connected cities from Jacksonville to Key West. His vision and investment turned Florida into a major tourist destination, laying the foundation for the state’s modern growth and prosperity.

The building now serves as a museum showcasing an eclectic collection of antiques, fine art, and curiosities from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style by architects Carrère and Hastings, the Alcazar Hotel was the epitome of Gilded Age luxury, offering guests opulent accommodations, a casino, a spa, and what was then the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.

The hotel was a popular destination for the wealthy elite, who flocked to St. Augustine for its warm climate and social scene. However, the hotel eventually closed during the Great Depression, and the building remained largely unused until it was purchased in 1947 by Otto C. Lightner, a Chicago publisher and avid collector of art and antiques.

• Hours: daily, 9 am – 5 pm, with the last admission at 4 pm.
• Admission:
  • Adults: $17.00
  • Seniors (65+): $14.00
  • College Students (with ID): $14.00
  • Children (ages 12-17): $10.00
  • Children (under 12): Free

Flagler College

Flagler College is not only a distinguished liberal arts college but also a significant architectural and historical landmark. The college is housed in what was once the opulent Ponce de León Hotel, an extraordinary example of Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. This building, constructed in the late 19th century, was another hotel built by Henry Flagler.

Completed in 1888, the hotel was Flagler’s flagship property and the epitome of Gilded Age luxury. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings, the Ponce de León Hotel was one of the first buildings in the United States to be constructed entirely of poured concrete and was equipped with modern amenities such as electricity, provided by Thomas Edison’s generators. 

The hotel quickly became a winter retreat for the wealthy elite, drawing guests from across the country with its luxurious accommodations, grand dining room, and beautiful gardens. The building’s interior was as impressive as its exterior. You did not just stay for one night; you had to stay for “the season.”

After the decline of the grand hotel era in the early 20th century, the Ponce de León Hotel eventually closed its doors. In 1968, the building was repurposed as the main campus of Flagler College, a private liberal arts institution founded to provide high-quality education in a historic setting.

Inside, the college’s rotunda and grand lobby are particularly noteworthy. The rotunda, with its domed ceiling, is surrounded by murals painted by artist George W. Maynard, depicting allegorical themes. The grand lobby features an impressive display of Tiffany stained glass, some of the largest of their kind, casting colorful light across the polished marble floors.

The building’s original dining room, now the college’s student dining hall, is another architectural marvel. Massive oak columns support the room, featuring a high ceiling adorned with chandeliers and more Tiffany glass. This space, where students now dine, once hosted lavish meals for the hotel’s elite guests.

Lincolnville and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

Lincolnville is one of the most historically significant neighborhoods in St. Augustine. Established by freed African Americans after the Civil War, Lincolnville played a pivotal role in the city’s African American history and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Today, this vibrant neighborhood continues to preserve its rich cultural heritage through institutions like the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center.

Originally called “Little Africa,” the neighborhood was later renamed in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. The area quickly grew into a thriving community, home to churches, schools, businesses, and social organizations that catered to the African American population of St. Augustine.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the neighborhood became a focal point for protests and activism. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young marched through Lincolnville, and local residents played crucial roles in the fight for civil rights, particularly in the struggle to desegregate St. Augustine’s public facilities and schools.

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

The Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center is the heart of Lincolnville’s efforts to preserve and share the neighborhood’s rich history. Housed in the former Excelsior High School, St. Augustine’s first black public high school, the museum is a repository of African American history and culture in the region.

The Lincolnville Museum features a range of exhibits that highlight African Americans’ contributions to the history of St. Augustine and the nation. The museum’s collection includes photographs, artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of Lincolnville’s founding, its development as a vibrant community, and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.

• Location: 102 M L King Ave, St. Augustine
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm.
• Admission:
  • Adults – $10
  • Senior (60+) and Military Rate – $9
  • Youth 7- 17; College Students with valid I.D. – $5

Conclusion

St Augustine is a beautiful and interesting city to visit whether you care about history or not, but it is a must-see for history buffs.&nbsp