Southern Historic Landmarks: St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos
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Swashbuckling tales of triumph and tragedy unfold at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a historical jewel in St. Augustine, Florida.
Stories of those who passed through the fort-turned-national park predate our country’s birth, lingering like the cannon fire still heard during today’s reenactments. “This is where America began,” says Greg Utech, retired park ranger. “St. Augustine is the destination. However, the Castillo de San Marcos—the Castle of St. Mark—actually becomes the magnet, and it becomes the highlight of a lot of people’s journeys.”
The fort was built in the 17th century to defend St. Augustine, a crucial outpost for the wealthy Spanish empire. Yet, its complex history traces back to Juan Ponce de León’s arrival in present-day Florida in his legendary search for the Fountain of Youth. “This is the oldest masonry fortification in North America, which really makes it the oldest surviving European-built structure still standing in this country,” Greg says. Visitors uncover the landmark’s various chapters through exhibits, dramatic role-play, weapons demonstrations, and discussions led by rangers and volunteers. A free virtual tour is also available on the park’s website.Four diamond-shaped bastions connect the protective walls, which are composed of coquina, a porous yet hardy limestone studded with seashell fragments. The fortress remains about 95 percent original, a testament to its rare construction and preservation efforts by the area historical society and the National Park Service. “I like to think of every brick as having its own story,” says park guide Marty Enwright, who dresses in a Colonial-style outfit of her own making several days a week. “We’ve got [nearly 350] years here, and in those years, there’s something that someone is interested in that happened at this fortress.”Superb Sites and Stays
Beyond the Castillo, a heady combination of rich culture and Florida sunshine make St. Augustine—the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S.—ideal for a getaway no matter the season. Climb 129 steps inside the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a panorama of the city and ocean waters. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens (right), comprised of nine refurbished cottages, offers picturesque accommodations amid plantings and sculptures.
A trolley tour is the best way to take in the city’s Old-World charm and architectural gems like Flagler College (left) and the Lightner Museum (right), both former hotels built by oil and railroad tycoon Henry M. Flagler.Exciting Eats and Boutiques
Manicured walkways and brick-paved streets make exploring town by foot a cinch. At West to East design shop, discover distinctive furnishings, home décor, and accessories. Southern comfort food stars on the menu at Uptown Swinery, a restaurant that sources from its own nearby boar farm.
Top-notch dining awaits around every corner, but don’t miss the fresh seafood and creative cocktails at Catch 27. Owned by a local husband-and-wife duo, Two Sparrows carries current women’s fashions and faith-based gifts.
