15 Must-See Military Points of Interest
From forts to memorials, there's so much military history to uncover.
As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is full of military history, featuring everything from Spanish colonial forts to veteran memorials. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just exploring, this guide showcases 15 key stops for anyone interested in the city's military history. Visit these iconic sites, where battles unfolded, heroes were remembered, and history lives on.
1. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos, completed in 1695, is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Its coquina walls, made from a unique local shell stone, proved highly resilient to British cannon fire during the fort's many sieges. The monument reflects the strength and endurance of colonial European military engineering. Today, weekend cannon firings offer a lively reenactment of its active days and are one of the most popular attractions in St. Augustine.
2. Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish to protect the southern entrance to St. Augustine. The fort's name, derived from the Spanish word for "slaughters," refers to the massacre of French Huguenots by the Spanish in 1565. The fort played a crucial role in the defense strategy of the Spanish against British forces. Today, the well-preserved fort provides visitors with an opportunity to explore colonial military life through ranger-led tours, which emphasize its historical significance and vital role in defending the Spanish stronghold.
3. St. Francis Barracks
Initially built as a Franciscan monastery, the St. Francis Barracks were later converted to military use during the British occupation of Florida in the 18th century. Today, the barracks are the headquarters of the Florida National Guard.
4. Spanish Military Hospital Museum
The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is a reconstruction of a hospital that served the Spanish troops stationed in St. Augustine during the 18th century. The museum offers a look into colonial medical practices, including surgeries and herbal remedies. It is a rare opportunity to explore the daily lives of soldiers and the medical challenges they faced in the New World.
5. Tolomato Cemetery
Tolomato Cemetery is one of the oldest surviving cemeteries in Florida, originally established as a burial ground for the Catholic community. It includes the graves of soldiers from various wars, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, as well as prominent local figures. The cemetery’s significance lies in its reflection of the multi-faceted history of St. Augustine, including its military past.
6. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
The St. Augustine Lighthouse has a storied past that includes serving as a lookout point during World War II. The museum highlights the lighthouse's role in maritime history, including its involvement in coastal defense and the monitoring of German U-boats. The site also includes shipwreck exhibits and local maritime industry education. Visitors can also stop at the The Tin Pickle, a unique onsite café. Located within the museum grounds, the eatery offers a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks that guests can enjoy before or after their tour. Named after a World War II-era phrase for a submarine, The Tin Pickle further reflects the lighthouse’s connection to American naval history.
7. Flagler College
During World War II, the U.S. government took over the luxurious Ponce de Leon Hotel, now Flagler College. Originally built in 1888 by Henry Flagler as part of his vision for St. Augustine as a premier winter resort destination, the hotel boasted advanced amenities for its time, such as electricity, plumbing, and Tiffany stained glass. Its grand architecture and spacious layout made it an ideal location for the war effort, with its large halls and rooms repurposed to treat wounded soldiers and house military personnel.
8. St. Augustine National Cemetery
The St. Augustine National Cemetery is one of the oldest national cemeteries in the United States, established in 1828. It is best known for the Dade Monument, which commemorates the soldiers who died during the Second Seminole War. The cemetery also includes graves of veterans from various conflicts, making it a key site for understanding and reflecting on the military history of the region.
9. St. Augustine World War I Monument
The World War I Monument is located in the Plaza de la Constitución in Historic Downtown. This memorial commemorates the soldiers from St. Augustine who fought in "The Great War," honoring their service and sacrifice. The monument is situated in a prominent spot in the plaza, which serves as the central gathering point for many of the city’s civic and historical events.
10. St. Augustine World War II Monument
The World War II Monument, located in the same historic Plaza de la Constitución as the World War I Monument, honors the local men and women who served in the armed forces during the Second World War. The monument serves as a reminder of conflict's global reach and the contributions made by the St. Augustine community. Monument visitors can easily explore nearby attractions, making it a central stop on a historical tour of the city.
11. Mark Lance National Guard Armory
The Mark Lance National Guard Armory has been an integral part of St. Augustine's military history since its construction in 1907. It has served as a training center and operational hub during major conflicts, including World War I and World War II. The armory continues to play a role in the National Guard's operations.
12. Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park, near the St. Augustine National Cemetery, is home to a memorial dedicated to all veterans. The park offers a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance, making it a meaningful site for those looking to honor military service members. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding lake. It's a popular place for locals to gather for a casual walk, family outings, or to simply enjoy nature.
13. Veterans Park
Veterans Park serves as a community gathering space and also honors the sacrifices of those who have served our country. It is particularly known for its Veterans Day and Memorial Day events. It's also a great place for outdoor family fun or a relaxing afternoon picnic.
14. Ribera Garden
A lesser known historical site, Ribera Garden has an interesting history tied to St. Augustine's military past. The original wooden house that sat on this property was burned in 1702 during an English siege to prevent enemy troops from using it as cover to attack the nearby Castillo de San Marcos. Later, a two-story home of coquina stone was built in its place. By 1764, this home belonged to Juan de Ribera, a Native American artilleryman of Guale or Yamassee heritage who served in the Spanish military. You can learn more about the home and the Ribera family from plaques displayed around the garden.
15. DMZ Military Antiques
DMZ Military Antiques, located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine's Uptown district, is a treasure trove for military history enthusiasts. Open since 1993, it offers an extensive collection of memorabilia from the Civil War to the Vietnam War, including weapons, medals, flags, and uniforms. Visitors can browse everything from common artifacts like helmets to rare, sought-after collectibles. This shop is a must-see for both serious collectors and curious tourists.
Are you a veteran or current armed force member? Check out our Military and Veteran Travel Guide and list of Military Discounts in St. Augustine.
