Last Outpost of the British Empire

Fort Matanzas and Florida Living History offer a special free program about the final days of the British in St. Augustine. "The Last Outpost of the British Empire" will be held at Fort Matanzas from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Six 30-minute guided history walks will depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., and there will be cannon firings each hour.

As the American Revolution neared its end in the spring of 1783, the remainder of the British Loyalist troops in East Florida were near mutiny, abandoned by the government in London and worried about their future. Fort Matanzas served as the "last outpost" for those stranded here. Reenactors will depict the everyday activities that would have taken place at the Fort -- cooking, washing, mending, and drill -- while the refugees waited for news in this remote corner of the British Empire.

Please note: The ferry to the historic site remains closed pending repairs to damage sustained during Hurricane Irma. The park entrance, Visitor Center, and Coastal Hammock Nature Trail are open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars for viewing the cannon firings across the river.

Admission: FREE

When: From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Six 30-minute guided history walks will depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., and there will be cannon firings each hour.

Where: The Fort Matanzas Visitor Center and gift shop are located at 8635 A1A, about 15 miles south of St. Augustine.