ST. Augustine's Foundation
St. Augustine's foundation in 1565 initiated a long process of conquest and colonization of Florida. At times the city served as the backdrop to violent clashes between European powers (Spain, France, and England). But St. Augustine was also a remarkably diverse settlement, inhabited by settlers from different regions in Europe, as well as large numbers of Africans and Indians.
San Marcos fort
St Augustine became a strategic location for protecting and defending the fleet returning to Spain on the Carrera de Indias (Spanish fleet system). The Castillo de San Marcos (St Augustine) was pivotal in this defensive system. This miniature is a reconstruction of one of the early wooden forts, dating to the end of the 16th century. Archaeologists are still looking for its remains.
Old San Marcos fort, 1595.
Archivo General de Indias, Sevilla.
Fort San Marcos, 1675.
Archivo General de Indias, Sevilla.
San Marcos fort.
Miniature scale 1:92.
Menéndez de Avilés founds St Augustine
On September 8, 1565, Menéndez de Avilés landed in St Augustine and founded the first permanent city in the USA (San Augustín).
A Pirate Attack by Francis Drake on St Augustine, May 28-29, 1586. B. Boazio, 1589.
Kislak Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Plan of the town and harbour of St. Augustine. Thomas Jefferys, 1762?
Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington, D.C.
Plan of the town and harbour of St. Augustine. Tomás López de Vargas Machuca, 1783.