Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
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Entrance to the Fountain of Youth Park (2010)
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 Location in Florida
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| Location | 11 Magnolia Ave.; St. Augustine, Florida |
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| 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 is a privately owned park that covers about 15 acres. The park is located along Hospital Creek, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway.
This park is famous because some people believe it is where the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first landed in Florida in 1513. He was supposedly looking for a "Fountain of Youth." However, there is no strong proof that this is exactly where he landed. Other places have also been suggested as his landing spot.
Inside the park, there is a well that some say is the "Fountain of Youth" that Ponce de Leon was searching for. But again, there is no real evidence to support this legend. Even so, the park is very important for history. In the 1990s, archaeologists found remains of the very first Spanish settlement in St. Augustine here. They also found parts of its old forts.
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Exploring the Park's Past
The area where the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park now stands has a long history. Starting in the 1860s, there were small attractions here. These attractions often showed off a natural spring, which people called a "well," and the beautiful land around it.
How the Park Grew Over Time
In 1904, a woman named Luella Day McConnell made the attraction bigger. She was known for telling exciting stories to entertain visitors. She managed the park until 1927.
Later in 1927, a man named Walter B. Fraser bought the park. He moved to St. Augustine and became very involved in the city. In the 1930s, Mr. Fraser started the first official effort to restore old buildings in St. Augustine. This effort eventually led to the creation of the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board, which helps protect the city's history.
Recognized for Its History
Because of its important history and archaeological discoveries, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
Walter Fraser's Contributions to St. Augustine
Walter B. Fraser was not just important for the park. He 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 as mayor, he bought other historic places like the Oldest Orange Grove and the Oldest School House. He also started a radio station called WFOY. From 1944 to 1948, he served in the Florida Senate, helping to make laws for the state.
