Aviles Street
Located two blocks from the Matanzas River, Aviles Street is considered one of the oldest thoroughfares in St. Augustine, in existence for over 400 years. Constructed in the late 16th or early 17th century to fit the Spanish city plan, the road was originally called Hospital Street for the number of hospitals along it during the colonial period.The archaeological excavations conducted on the street revealed deposits from the original town site and 13 distinct street surfaces.
The street was not paved until the 1760s, the end of the Spanish period. It was a combination of oyster shell, coquina, and tabby, a combination of lime, water, sand, oyster shells, and ash. During the 19th century, the road was an earthen thoroughfare. In the early 1900s as a part of Henry Flagler’s city wide improvements the streets were paved with bricks.
Discovered among the 20th century layer were bullet casings, a gold plated garnet brooch, and a boot spur. Along with the layers of the road, residential remains including foundation trenches, potholes, fence lines, and trash pits were found.
Also in the area, the remains of St. Augustine’s first parish, Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios, was discovered. Spanish, Mexican, and Native American pottery were found that date back to the 16th century. The parish first appears on maps as early as 1586. It was destroyed several times and burned in 1702 by the British.
Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Kelcie Lloyd
