ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

St Augustine, Florida is the closest thing to an authentic history lesson in the entire state;  maybe even the entire country. 

You will be walking among ancient functioning buildings, some of them dating back to the the city's founding in 1565, more than 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

St Augustine Downtown View to South
Flickr/lagology

Many of the weathered buildings and forts that were a major part of St Augustine history are still in daily use by residents and visitors alike.

Panoramic View of St. Augustine From Lighthouse
Wikimedia Commons, Mike Raker

This history of the city still lives and breathes and you can almost feel the ghosts of ancient Spaniards keeping a benevolent eye on you.

Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church

The history of St Augustine, Florida can be traced back to 1493. Juan Ponce de Leon was a shipmate of Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World.  

He came back to Florida with his own expedition in 1513, and claimed the land - most of North America - for Spain. He named it "Florida the Great Country of North America."

The French also tried to claim this land, but failed.

Pedro Menendez de Aviles came to the area in 1565 from Spain with all the materials and people to establish a city. The official history of St Augustine began with its founding on September 8, 1565.

One hundred years later, English pirates killed most of St. Augustine's residents. After that massacre, the Spanish built the Castillo de San Marcos.

Vintage Postcard Tourists at Castillo San Marcos

St Augustine, Florida history includes a role in the American Revolutionary War. The Ancient City became an important British military center and supply depot.

St Augustine has survived under the Spanish, British, American and Confederate flags. It was a Union town after 1862 until the end of the Civil War.

THE MINORCANS COME TO ST. AUGUSTINE

Some of the earliest settlers in modern St Augustine were Minorcans. Minorca and Majorca are the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea and belong to Spain.

They had been brought from Minorca to New Smyrna Beach, 74 miles south of St. Augustine, in 1768 by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician.

Dr. Turnbull thought these hardy people would be able to withstand the brutal Florida climate and conditions. His idea was to form a colony and develop a plantation.  

Life was miserable among the alligators, snakes and mosquitoes in the mangrove swamps around New Smyrna.

The colonists were very unhappy and believed Dr. Turnbull had made false promises and not lived up to his bargain with them.

More than 900 of the 1400 Minorcans died during the ten years of the New Smyrna venture.

The distraught colonists began to hear about St Augustine, and many of them decided to move up there.

During May and June of 1777 most of the colonists migrated to St Augustine and by 17 July 1777 Turnbull's attorneys had set all the colonists free.

Many of the descendants of these early Minorcan colonists still live in the St. Augustine area.

Some of the family names that you will see in the phone book and on local businesses include Acosta, Manucy, Pellicer, Pacetti, Ponce and Canova.

In the years after the Civil War, and through the development sparked by Henry Flagler, St Augustine remained in many ways a typical small southern town.  

HENRY FLAGLER DISCOVERS ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

The modern history of St Augustine Florida began in the mid 1880's when Henry Flagler came to town. He built the Hotel Ponce de Leon and the Hotel Alacazar.  

The hotel is now the campus of Flagler College, which was founded in 1968.

Flagler College, St. Augustine

St. Augustine became the base for Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. 

The distinctive three towers of its headquarters have been a St. Augustine landmark for years, and is the first thing you see when entering the old part of town from King Street.

Florida East Coast Railway Offices, St. Augustine

This railroad expanded down Florida's east coast and had more to do with developing and populating the state than anything else.

Vintage Postcard St. Augustine, Florida

In the years after the Civil War, and through the development sparked by Henry Flagler, St Augustine remained in many ways a typical small southern town.  

A wooden bridge across the Matanzas River to Anastasia Island was built in 1895.  This bridge was unreliable and broke down many times over the years.

Bridge of Lions Under Construction 1926
Florida Memory State Archives

After Henry Flagler came to town his bridge expert, Henry Rodenbaugh, spearheaded a bond issue to build a new bridge across the river.

The iconic Bridge of Lions was built across the Matanzas River and opened in 1927.

Vintage Postcard St Augustine Bridge of Lions

The 1960's saw serious civil rights demonstrations in the Ancient City. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders of the time were in town during some stressful times.

VIDEO OF ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA IN 1935

This old black and white video is a look back into the early days of St. Augustine as a major Florida tourist attraction.

Since the late 1960's, St Augustine has seen a lot of development north, south and west of town, especially in the beach area.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

None of this development has spoiled the special charm of the downtown area of this special old city.

Original 450 year old buildings made of coquina are in daily use and fully functional.  This historic St. Augustine Lighthouse still stands as a tourist attraction and reminder of the seaport days.

Castillo San Marcos and Downtown St Augustine

The Castillo de San Marcos is still impressive, in good condition, and is a major tourist attraction.

Vintage Postcard St. Augustine St. George Street

The view down Charlotte Street is still very similar to the scene you see above on the vintage postcard.

St. George Street remains a great place for people watching and breathing in the ambiance of the old buildings and costumed characters. 

St. Augustine Bridge of Lions in 1969
Florida Memory, State Archives of Florida

The historic Bridge of Lions still connects downtown St. Augustine to Anastasia Island. 

The original was built in 1927 and was always a beautiful and iconic structure loved by locals and tourists alike.

By the end of the 1990s the bridge had deteriorated with age and was requiring a lot of maintenance.  The decision was made to replace the bridge.

St. Augustine Bridge of Lions After Rehabilitation
Photo by RS&H

After numerous consultations with experts and residents, the Florida Department of Transportation decided to rehabilitate the bridge instead of replacing it.

Medici Lions at Bridge Entrance

They retained the services of RS&H to design and supervise the rehabilitation and historic preservation.  In 2010 the brand new old bridge was opened and is as beautiful as ever.

The famous Medici Lions guarding the entrance were restored to their original 1927 luster.

Tourists Enjoying St. George Street

The Ancient City is still charming in spite of the intense tackiness of some of its tourist attractions.

ST. AUGUSTINE NIGHT OF LIGHTS

The city has a spectacular lighting display during the holiday season from November through January.  

St Augustine Nights of Lights

During this season the downtown historic district is decorated with lights and shops and restaurants stay open longer than usual.

Trolley and Lightner Museum, Night of Lights
VisitStAugustine.com

St. Augustine Florida is a great place to visit, and a great place to live.  Enjoy this short carriage ride for a glimpse of the historic district of the city.

THINGS TO DO IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

Castillo de San Marcos 
11 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | (904) 829-6506 
 
This stone fortress, with walls that have withstood the test of time, offers a glimpse into the tumultuous past of America’s oldest city.

Walking atop its bastions provides stunning views of the city and the sea, while the interior rooms and exhibits tell the stories of soldiers and settlers.

Our favorite part? The cannon firings! They're not just loud; they're a thrilling demonstration of the might and strategy of 17th-century warfare.   

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum 
100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | (904) 829-0745 
 
Climbing the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse is an exhilarating experience, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and St. Augustine's picturesque landscape.

The museum, housed in the beautifully preserved keeper's house, showcases the rich maritime history of the area, including shipwrecks, piracy, and the life of a lighthouse keeper.

It's a captivating visit for families, offering both educational exhibits and the thrill of exploration. 

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park 
11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | (904) 829-3168 
 
This is where history meets legend, offering visitors a chance to drink from the fabled waters. Beyond the spring, the park is a fascinating archaeological site, with exhibits on the Timucua tribes and the Spanish settlers.

The live cannon firings are a blast, literally, and the peacocks roaming the grounds add a splash of unexpected color and charm. It's a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and mythology that you won't find anywhere else.   

Anastasia State Park 
300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | (904) 461-2033 
 
With over 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, and maritime forests, it's an oasis for nature lovers. Whether you're into bird watching, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches, Anastasia State Park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Roseate Spoonbill has been spotted in the park, as well as Osprey, eagles, painted buntings and warblers. The park has 139 campsites just a short walk from the beach. Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient sand dunes or enjoy a peaceful picnic with stunning ocean views. 

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum 
12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | (904) 819-1444 
 
This museum is a treasure chest of pirate lore, with one of the largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts in the world. Interactive exhibits let you fire a cannon, climb aboard a replica pirate ship, and even experience the golden age of piracy.

It’s a thrilling journey for the young and the young at heart, offering a fascinating look at the lives of history’s most notorious sea raiders. 

Old Town Trolley Tours 
The Old Jail, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 335-3155  
 
The hop-on, hop-off trolley is the perfect way to discover the city at your own pace. With stops at all the major attractions and an entertaining guide sharing stories and facts about the city’s past, it’s both an informative and convenient way to see St. Augustine.

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, the trolley tour offers new insights and perspectives on this historic city. They often have free tickets to some of the attractions on the tour.  

The Lightner Museum 
75 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | (904) 824-2874 
 
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888, this museum is a treasure trove of fine and decorative 19th-century art.

Walking through its lavish rooms, you'll be transported back to America's Gilded Age, surrounded by stunning pieces of cut glass, Victorian art glass, costumes, and furnishings.

The museum's setting is equally impressive, featuring a beautiful courtyard garden and the historic pool area. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the opulence and elegance of a bygone era. 
 
Gypsy Cab Company Restaurant 
828 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | (904) 824-8244 
 
The Gypsy Cab Company Restaurant in St. Augustine, FL, offers a culinary adventure as vibrant and diverse as the gypsies it's named after. This eclectic eatery has been delighting locals and tourists alike since its opening in 1983.

Known for its "urban cuisine," the menu is a fusion of global flavors, including Mediterranean & Cajun dishes.  It features everything from hearty American classics to exotic international dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.

The restaurant's casual, welcoming atmosphere, combined with its quirky, mismatched decor, makes guests feel immediately at ease, as if dining among friends.

With a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the Gypsy Cab Company Restaurant not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also supports the local community. They serve happy hour food and make a mean cocktail.