Castillo De San Marcos National Monument

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a historic fort located in St.


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Summary

Augustine, Florida. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and was built by the Spanish in the late 1600s. The fort has been used by various military forces throughout its history, including the British and American forces.

There are many good reasons to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, including the opportunity to see a well-preserved historic fort and learn about the history of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. Visitors can take guided tours of the fort, explore the exhibits in the visitor center, and attend programs and events throughout the year.

Some specific points of interest to see at the fort include the gun deck, the sally port, and the chapel. Visitors can also walk along the top of the walls and enjoy views of St. Augustine and the Matanzas Bay.

One interesting fact about the fort is that it was made from a type of limestone called coquina, which is a porous rock that allowed it to withstand attacks from enemy cannons. Another fact is that the fort played a role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying it at different times.

The best time of year to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is during the cooler months of the year, from November to March. The fort is open year-round, but summer temperatures in St. Augustine can be very hot and humid. Visitors should also be aware that the fort can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it is best to plan ahead and arrive early in the day.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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