Castillo de San Marcos
A note from the creator: The Castillo de San Marcos (Spanish for "St. Mark's Castle") is one of my favorite landmarks because it tells the story of the real Florida, the resilient Florida, and the beauty of Florida. It is very common practice in the United States to mock the state of Florida and it's residents and attribute less than desirable actions and events as a normal Florida experience. However, landmarks such as this one reminds those outside of the state of Florida of its ingenuity.
Castillo de San Marcos | 11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084 USA
Stronghold on the Water
Built over 340 years ago from coquina (/kō kēnə/), a light and porous shell-stone rock, and designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza, the Castillo de San Marcos monument symbolizes a clash between cultures. Originally a post of the Spanish Empire guarding the settlement of St. Augustine, the Castillo protected the sea route for treasure ships before being transferred from Spanish to British control and back again, all by treaty. Purchased by the United States in 1821, the Castillo—then called Fort Marion—was used by the U.S. army until 1899. Today, the Castillo is both a product of and evidence to the multitude of political and technological forces that created competition for empire during the colonial era, as well as the enduring legacy of the craftsmanship and skill of the engineers, artisans, and laborers who built it.
The tallest watchtower at the fort is at the corner facing the outlet to the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Augustine's crown jewel and the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Castillo de San Marcos is one of the oldest and most renowned historical landmarks in Florida. The construction of this iconic structure took place between 1692-1695 and was erected to serve as a fort to protect St. Augustine from enemy attacks. The building still stands today as one of the few remaining Spanish-era structures in the United States. This stunning masonry star fort has withstood numerous sieges, survived a catastrophic hurricane, and continues to stand as a testament to the history of Florida. Visitors can explore the grounds or take in-person tours of the interior and learn about the fascinating history of this magnificent landmark. Please click the Virtual Tour button below to look at one of the oldest landmarks in Florida.
View of the Plaza de Armas within Castillo de San Marcos