This top is made out of pure terracotta!
The Old Senator: This magnificent Live Oak is one of the most remarkable trees in North America, reputed to be well over 600 years old, and thus surviving as though silent witness to that dramatic moment in 1513 when Juan Ponce de Leon finally discovered St. Augustine's famed Fountain of Youth, a mere 600 feet from this spot.
Historians have puzzled over the fragments of words in this graffiti for decades. The shaping of the letters tells us it is 18th century Spanish, but the pieces of of words still make no since.
Although Castillo's high walls and moat were a substantial obstacle to anyone trying to capture the fort, the cannons on the gundeck (or terreplein) were the real strength of the fort. With a range of over a mile, the cannon could strike at ships in the harbor, as well as troops on land. The Spanish kept the land cleared of trees for 250 yards beyond the fort so that approaching troops had no natural cover or protection. In 1763, the fort had 77 guns. 
When Spanish people lived here, they came in through the back door. There was no front door.
Anastaisa Island Lighthouse
We went into an old drug store, probably from the 1600 or 1800's. Something I learned after we left was that it was built on an old Indian burial ground. That's kinda creepy!
In 1740, General James Oglethorp of Georga, vowed to "take St. Augustine or leave my bones before its walls." The Spanish Governor Manuel de Montiano vowed to "shed his last drop of blood" in defence of the town. Neither had to keep their vow. Oglethorp's artillery bombarded the fort for 27 days, but could do little damage. Unable the capture the fort by force, the English withdrew.
As you can tell, it was SO much fun! This place is so full of history, some still waiting to be decovered.
