Castillo De San Marcos History

The remarkable and fortified stronghold that is Castillo de San Marcos is not only an extraordinary sight to see; it is a location with much historical significance in its past life. Although the fort may seem as a peaceful settlement to the citizens of today, within those walls lie the spirits of those who fought to protect this site. The Castillo de San Marcos began construction in 1672 under the order of Queen Regent Maria after a band of pirates attacked the small town of St. Augustine in northeastern Florida. Despite their being nine previous forts built by the Spanish Empire, this one was meant to be built differently. Rather than using wood as its predecessors, the Castillo was built using “coquina”--little shells—with a mixture of lime, sand, and fresh water. Twenty-three years later, in 1692, the heavily armed fort that stands today in the midst of St. Augustine was finally built. Of course, the fort never just withstood its ground without any reconstruction and enhancements. There were many instances where the town of St. Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos were attempted of being overtaken by the British, and later the …show more content…
But rather than keep the fort up to serve its purpose, the Americans began to imprison Native American tribes and its people. These tribes consisted of Seminole Indians, Comanche Indians, Apache Indians, and Cheyenne Indians. One of the most important figures imprisoned within the fort was Osceola, chief leader of the Seminole Indians. After refusing and allegedly stabbing the treaty brought forth by United States agent Wiley Thompson to get rid of the Seminoles from Florida, Osceola was taken prisoner to Fort King located in Ocala, Florida. After being released in 1835, Osceola murdered Wiley Thompson and more, gaining him a one way ticket to Fort Marion, and later Fort Moultrie which came to be his final resting