Castillo de San Marcos

The Castillo de San Marcos was the 10th fort built in St. Augustine. Flooding, fire, and the subtropical climate destroyed the nine previous forts. The construction of the fort occurred for two reasons: pirate Robert Searles’ English-sanctioned attack on St. ...

Castillo de San Marcos

A few years after Menendez founded St. Augustine in 1565, a wooden fort was built near the site of the present Castillo. Since Spain controlled Florida, officials initially saw no reason to build strong forts there. In the years that ...

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

This Spanish fort, begun in 1672, stood firm against English attacks and helped Spain to hold Florida for many years. During the American Revolution, it was a British stronghold. Later it became a battery in the U.S. coastal defense system.

Marker ...