The plaza sits in the center of downtown St. Augustine, originally called the Plaza de Arms. It was constructed as a part of the town plan drafted in 1596. Like many Spanish coastal communities, the plaza sits on the bay front surrounded by important government and religious buildings, including a guardhouse, the governor’s home, the cathedral and the treasury building. It was also used as a community center where special events were held. Archaeological excavations even uncovered evidence of everyday life artifacts associated with gambling, uniform repairs and a the butchering of livestock.

The plaza is the only location in town with extensive 16th century archaeological deposits. There are remains of twelve wells evenly spaced east-to-west, a portion commonly given to soldiers. There is little archaeological evidence post-16th century, showing the construction of the plaza.

In 1813, as a recognition of Spain’s adoption of a constitutional monarchy, the Plaza was renamed the Plaza de Constitution and the Constitution Monument was placed in the plaza. A 19th century coquina coquina well dating to between 1823 and 1880 was also excavated. This well was reconstructed based on the excavations and stands in the plaza today.

A public market was built on the grounds of the plaza in 1824 on top of a series of former customs houses. When the United States gained the Florida territory, the government began planting trees in the plaza. Historically, Spanish plaza did not have trees and many of the natives vandalized the park several times.

During the 1960s, the park was used as a demonstration point for the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the plaza has a Confederate War memorial, four artillery pieces, a memorial to the civil rights movement, and continues to function as the event center for downtown St. Augustine.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Kelcie Lloyd

Credits and Sources:

Kelcie Lloyd, University of West Florida