Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.
Built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument preserves the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and interprets more than 450 years of cultural intersections.
Map showing location of park.
Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Photo by NPS Photo
Furnace for heating cannon balls
Photo by NPS Photo
Four black iron cannon mounted on carriages line the walls of the Castillo.
Photo by NPS Photo
Re-enactors of the first Spanish period cover their ears while firing a cannon.
Photo by NPS Photo
Aerial view of the Castillo and the city of St. Augustine
Photo by NPS Photo