St. Augustine, Florida – The Oldest City in America

Resort Destination BW Oceanfront Jacksonville Castillo de San Marcos Attractions

St. Augustine the Resort Destination. In the 1880s, Standard Oil co-founder Henry Flagler discovered St. Augustine while honeymooning with his second wife. He was immediately enamored with the city’s quiet, serene beauty. Flagler’s vision for a winter playground for East Coast society quickly came to fruition. He established three opulent hotels, including the Ponce de Leon Hotel that is now occupied by Flagler College. Flagler also established neighborhoods, a hospital, churches, and other businesses throughout St. Augustine. Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway was founded to transport wealthy vacationers to the resort town.  [Top]

St. Augustine History - Castillo de San Marcos. St. Augustine’s most famous historical landmark is the Castillo de San Marcos. The giant fort, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, was constructed of coquina, an indigenous shellstone quarried from nearby Anastasia Island. Numerous attempts by British forces to conquer the Castillo and overtake St. Augustine proved fruitless. The British finally gained control of St. Augustine in a land trade with Spain in 1763. After a series of other New World territory swaps, the Castillo became U.S. property in 1821. Castillo de San Marcos served as an important fortification and also a war-time prison until it was designated a national monument in 1900.  [Top]

Attractions in St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine today is a bustling tourist town with activities and attractions to entice the whole family. Visit historical landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marco and the living history Spanish Quarter Village of 1740. Shop till you drop at locally-owned boutiques and nationally recognized stores. Experience Florida’s thrilling wildlife on a kayak tour along saltwater marshes, tiny islands, and oyster beds. Your choices are endless when it comes to fun in St. Augustine.  [Top]