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Castillo de San Marcos GMP
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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument encompasses approximately 20.48 acres in historic St. Augustine, Florida, just north of the town’s central plaza. The site is bordered on the east by Matanzas Bay and on the west by State Highway A1A. The National Monument contains the oldest remaining fortification in the United States. Built more than 100 years after the founding of St. Augustine by the Spanish in 1565, its bastioned design represents the conventions of military architecture and technology of its day.
The Castillo de San Marcos served primarily as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States, and also protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain. Although the Castillo has served a number of nations throughout its history, it has never been taken by military force. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, all by treaty. The Spanish remained in power in Florida until the United States purchased the area in 1821. Called Fort Marion at this time, the Castillo was used by the U.S. Army until 1900. The Castillo was made a National Monument in 1924 and became part of the National Park system in 1933. In 1942, Congress restored the original name.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is to preserve and protect the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and its related cultural resources, and to foster public understanding of their historical, military, and architectural significance.
The Castillo de San Marcos served primarily as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States, and also protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain. Although the Castillo has served a number of nations throughout its history, it has never been taken by military force. During the 18th century, the Castillo went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, all by treaty. The Spanish remained in power in Florida until the United States purchased the area in 1821. Called Fort Marion at this time, the Castillo was used by the U.S. Army until 1900. The Castillo was made a National Monument in 1924 and became part of the National Park system in 1933. In 1942, Congress restored the original name.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is to preserve and protect the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and its related cultural resources, and to foster public understanding of their historical, military, and architectural significance.