Barracks
Nothing under here...
Front door of chapel
Pile of cannon balls for the 18-pound cannon.
You're not reading that wrong. It had a range of 3.5 miles!
It makes .5 past 3 miles!
That's the powder room. We didn't tell them it was haunted.
"POWDER MAGAZINE This room, constructed 1675 for ammunition storage, is one of the oldest rooms in the fort. Because of dampness the gunpowder had to be moved and the room was used briefly as a prison, then sealed up. Nearly 100 years later it was opened, and bones found inside have given rise to improbable stories."
It's dark in there!
The ballroom. Sure. That's what it is. Even 300 year old forts had to have somewhere to dance.
Sick bay. These are all medical tools and medicines from 300 years ago. I can imagine what saws and knives are for, but that double hook? I don't know...
More medical tools. The brown bowl at top was labeled "Blood Bowl"
This was some kind of tool used in childbirth. I don't want to know...
The British Barracks "In 1763, following the French & Indian War, the British gained control of Florida from Spain by treaty. Unfortunately, the British did not have enough room to house all their troops in the fort. They solved the problem by placing second floors in the castillo. As you go through the other casemates (rooms), look up along the walls and you will see the evidence of second floors. The Soldier on the stairs is a member of the 60th Royal Americans, who occupied the fort during the American Revolution from 1776 to 1782. This regiment was made up primarily of Americans loyal to the British Crown. In 1783 the 2nd Treaty of Paris once again gave Spain control of Florida and the Castillo." <continued on next image>
<continued from previous image> "These British bunks were designed to sleep four men, two below and two above. These four men were mess mates and were the basic unit in the British Army. At the end of the bed are places for four guns and four coats, and a place below for storage of personal gear. The men would spend their few "off hours" in this room mending clothes, cleaning weapons, smoking their pipes, playing cards and eating their meals.
Laying around in the chapel.
There are stairs there now, but that used to be a ramp so that they could roll the weapons up to the top.
This is why you should keep your weapon clean.
"This cannon exploded November 10, 1702, as it was fired against English troops enterin the town." Oooh... and my shoes.
This is a model of the fort, don't know how old it is, but it looked neat. East is to the top of this image.
All three of these weapons were marked as "replicas"
This showed how the fort changed over the years and under different contries' rule. The Americans drained the moat. (stupid Americans...)
Griffin is actually standing behind a sign. Can't tell from this angle. He insisted that EVERYONE come and stand with him.
Guards at the top of the steps keeping would-be-evil-doers at bay...
... and having their picture taken.
Loking East from the top. The guy on the far wall was puling some sort of ropes out of the water.
You, taking a picture of me, taking a picture of you, taking a picture....
The Southeast corner of the castle. Karen said there was something historic about the bridge in the back ground, but I forgot what, exactly.
"ST. AUGUSTINE'S BASTION This bastion was named after the patron saint of the city. St. Augustine was established in 1565, 42 years before the English settled Jamestown -- 55 years before the Pilgrims stepped onto Plymouth Rock. It grew from 800 people in 1565 to 3,000 in 1763, the end of the first Spanish occupation. BALUARTE DE SAN AGUSTIN"
I got the old Spanish flag in the picture this time...
Not sure what that is... kids got restless and we didn't walk around outside.
"SENTRY BOX ... enabled the sentry to watch outside the fort to the frond and sides, and sheltered him from weather and enemy fire. These turrets were red against the white walls of the fort. You can help save the remaining red plaster by not touching it."
There were three holes to look through inside. I took a video next, but my batteries died and I forgot to finish the video when I put new batteries in.
This video shows (I hope) how small the turret really was.
Looking down into the courtyard
Having our picture taken with St. Christopher in St. Augustine.
The watchtower
VAGI'A DE SAN CARLOS Signals were exchanged between this tower and a similar one across Matanzas Bay, on the ocean shore near the present lighthouse. St. Charles Watchtower
Looking up in the watchtower
Looking towards the lighthouse (where the old 'similar tower' used to be) -- I zoomed in for a better view.
Zoomed in and looked again towards the lighthouse. (I zoomed in again (digitally) for an even better view)
Zoomed in as far as I could. This lighthouse is a pretty good distance away. I guess peoples eyesight was a lot better 300 years ago because there's no way I could exchange signals with someone that far away...
Looking out on the North lawn. You can see the various lines of defense here.
I snapped this picture of the building in downtown St. Augustine. Not sure what they are. Hoped to get pictures of them later, but didn't have the time.
I think this is actually a college (albeit an OLD college) in old-town St. Augustine.
These are mortars (similar to cannons)
Looking down towards the entrance to the fort.
Looking at the stairs from across the fort (used to be a ramp -- sure it was fun once the Americans took over and brought in the skateboards...)
Here's that famous bridge again...
Looking back at the fort from the parking lot
This is a horse drawn carriage. You can get a ride on them through Olde-Town St. Augustine. This one stopped and took a "break" right in front of us. Notice the puddle?
Why are you guys hiding from the camera?
Stopped at a playground for a while to let the kids wear themselves out. Several pictures to follow.
Every time I go to Florida, I have a new 'first time I've ______ as an adult...' This time it was wearing sleeveless shirts. Man are they comfortable...
