The Forts of St. Augustine
Three Forts. One Story of Survival.
As a certified tour guide in the city of St. Augustine, I have the privilege of experiencing some of the great monuments of American history that live right here in St. Augustine, Florida. The three forts I write about in this blog are great examples of these monuments. They are all three unique and so vital to the survival of America’s oldest city. They are all a must-see when visiting St. Augustine.
Get Up and Go Kayaking is proud to offer an opportunity to see the crown gem of them all… the Castillo de San Marcos — from a clear kayak! Let’s go!
1. Fort Matanzas
The Watchdog of the Southern Waters
Tucked away along the Matanzas River, this small but mighty fort was built in 1742 to guard the “backdoor” of St. Augustine. Don’t let its size fool you—Fort Matanzas was critical in defending the city from surprise attacks via the inland waterway.
Constructed of coquina (that unique shellstone native to the region), the fort was Spain’s answer to the British threat from the south. Any would-be invaders trying to sneak up the river had to get past the cannon fire from this quiet sentinel. Today, visitors can take a tour of the fort by hopping on a short ferry ride across the historic Matanzas.
2. Fort Mose
The First Free Black Settlement in America
Before freedom rang out across the nation, it quietly took root just north of St. Augustine at Fort Mose. Established in 1738, this was the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what would become the United States. Enslaved people who escaped from British colonies to the north found refuge here—on the condition that they converted to Catholicism and pledged loyalty to the Spanish crown.
But Fort Mose wasn’t just a sanctuary—it was a strategic military outpost. The original fort, built from wood and earth, stood along the banks of the Matanzas River. It served as a vital first line of defense against British forces approaching from the north. In fact, in 1740, Fort Mose became the scene of a pivotal battle where its defenders helped repel British invaders and protect St.Augustine.
Though the original structure was lost to time, recent archaeological efforts uncovered its underwater remains. Today, a wooden reconstruction of the fort stands proudly on land at Fort Mose Historic State Park, welcoming visitors to learn, reflect, and honor this vital piece of American and African-American history.
1. Castillo de San Marcos
The Crown Jewel of St. Augustine
Standing proudly on the western shore of Matanzas Bay, Castillo de San Marcos is not just a fort—it’s a legend. Built after the city was brutally attacked in 1668 by the pirate Robert Searles, who burned the wooden fort and killed 60 residents including two children, the Spanish crown knew it was time for something stronger.
Queen Mariana of Spain approved the construction of a masonry fort, and in 1672, work began using the now-famous coquina stone. Unlike wood, coquina absorbed cannon fire rather than shattering—making the Castillo not only resilient but revolutionary.
Before its construction, St. Augustine had nine wooden forts, all of which fell to pirates (like Sir Francis Drake) or were destroyed by storms. But the Castillo changed everything.
To this day, the Castillo de San Marcos stands undefeated. It has never been taken by force—only transferred through treaties, first to the British, then back to the Spanish, and finally to the United States. As the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., it remains the ultimate symbol of strength and endurance.
Yak Fax 🛶
Did you know? Get Up and Go Kayaking’s Dolphins and Wildlife Tour takes our paddlers into the shimmering waters surrounding the Castillo de San Marcos! You’ll paddle past history, with the ancient fort rising above you and dolphins often playing nearby. It’s one of the only ways to experience this iconic landmark from the water—100% clear kayak style!