Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
|
|
Entrance to the Fountain of Youth Park (2010)
|
|
 Location in Florida
|
|
| Location | 11 Magnolia Ave.; St. Augustine, Florida |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 16000361 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 2016 |
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a special place in St. Augustine, Florida. It covers about 15 acres (6 hectares) and sits by Hospital Creek. This creek is part of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Many people believe this park is where Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first landed in Florida in 1513. However, there is no strong proof to confirm this idea. Some historians think he might have landed near Melbourne Beach instead.
Inside the park, there is a well. Some say this well is the famous "Fountain of Youth" that Ponce de Leon was looking for. This legend comes from old writings by Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas. Still, there is no real evidence to support this claim either.
Despite the legends, the park is very important for history. In the 1990s, archaeologists led by Dr. Kathleen Deagan dug here. They found exciting remains of the very first Spanish settlement in St. Augustine. They also found parts of its old forts.
Exploring the Fountain of Youth Park
A Look Back: Park's Story
The area where the park now stands has been a visitor attraction since the 1860s. Early attractions focused on a special well, often called a "spring," and the beautiful land around it. In 1904, a woman named Luella Day McConnell made the attraction bigger. People knew her as "Diamond Lil." She was known for telling interesting stories to entertain visitors. She passed away in 1927.
Walter Fraser's Legacy
Walter B. Fraser bought the park in 1927. He moved to St. Augustine from Georgia. Mr. Fraser became very involved in local government and community efforts. In the 1930s, he started the first major effort to restore old buildings in St. Augustine. This work helped create the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board later on. The park itself was recognized for its importance in 2016. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Mr. Fraser also served on the City Commission from 1933 to 1943. For seven of those years, he was the mayor of St. Augustine. During his time, he helped save important historical places. He bought the Oldest Orange Grove and the Oldest School House. He also started a radio station called WFOY. Later, he served in the Florida Senate from 1944 to 1948. His efforts helped protect many parts of St. Augustine's rich history.
