The Castillo de San Marcos is in Spanish which translates to: Castle of Saint Mark. This fort, designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza was constructed beginning in 1672, and is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. It is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay and is located within the city of St. Augustine, Florida.

The fort was taken off active duty after 205 years under five different flags.

At lease five earlier forts were wood stockade.

Address: 11 South Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, Florida

The indigenous people from this period were more settled and developing distinct regional cultures with some customs in common. Artwork was common including wood carved masks, wood carved images of animals, and jewelry made from shells and copper with incised designs. Agriculture was begun, primarily with corn. The use of tool such as traps, bows and arrow, knives made from bones or shells, and pottery using sand as a temper with decorations of stamped or incised designs.

These cultures were those that were around when the first Europeans arrived, particularly after 1500 CE. These cultures were well established into regional areas with defined religious beliefs and practices.

The cultures that were around at this time included the Caloosa along the Caloosahatchee river in the south of Florida; the Apalachee in the uplands of the panhandle and north central Florida; the Timucua in north Florida; the Seminole in the Florida panhandle; the Miccosukee (Muskogee Language) and others.

Driving south, the next park is Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in San Augustine, Florida and a fort established in 1565 by the Spanish which is the oldest permanent European settlement in the continental US. To get to this park, a parking fee is extracted by the city of San Augustine at the rate of one dollar per thirty minutes.

I put a dollar in the parking bandit and walk into the Fort for a quick tour. I am impressed by the architecture of this Spanish fort and take quite a few photos. Before no time, my half hour is up and I only wish that I had put two dollars in.

Leaving Castillo De San Marcos, I drive south on SH 1A1, to Fort Matanzas National Monument which by extension is a fort protecting the back water route to the main fort in San Augustine. This park provides free parking, and a free ferry ride to the fort located on an island a short distance across the Matanzas River.