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Fort Matanzas National MonumentTheme(s): Hispanic American | |
Description:
Throughout its history, the story of Fort Matanzas has been closely intertwined with that of the city of St. Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos. This Spanish outpost fort was built in 1740-1742 to guard the Matanzas Inlet and to warn
St. Augustine of British or other enemies approaching from the south. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish empire in the New World.
In addition, the park, which is located on barrier islands along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas estuary, provides a natural habitat rich in wildlife with the salt marsh, scrub, and maritime hammock now protecting endangered and threatened species like the historic Fort Matanzas protected St. Augustine long ago.
Designations:
Fort Matanzas National Monument (War Dept.) (October 15, 1924)
Fort Matanzas National Monument- Dept. of Interior (June 10, 1933)
Accessibility:
The visitor center, restrooms, and boardwalk trails are wheelchair accessible. The ferry boat to the fort and the fort itself are not wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot.
Activites:
Boating | Educational Programs | Fishing | Swimming | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Kayaking | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Endangered Plants | And more.
Directions to Fort Matanzas National Monument
Plane:
Airports in Jacksonville, Florida (north) and Daytona (south) provide rental cars and easy access to I95.
Car:
From I-95: Take exit 92 (Route 206). Follow Route 206 east about 6 miles to Highway A1A. Turn right and follow A1A south for 4 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road.
From St. Augustine: Follow Highway A1A south for approximately 14 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road.
Public Transportation
No public transportation, however, a bike path or bike lane extends almost all the way from St. Augustine Beach to Fort Matanzas.
Attractions:
Anastasia State Recreation Area
Phone:904-461-2033
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
The Oldest House
Phone:904-824-2872
Nearby Parks:
Fort Caroline National Memorial (60 miles)
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (75 miles)
Fort Frederica National Monument (100 miles)
Canaveral National Seashore (75 miles)
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