San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park facts for kids
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Fort San Marcos De Apalache
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One of the small remaining portions of the stone wall of the Spanish fort, San Marcos de Apalache
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | 18 mi. S of Tallahassee, St. Marks, Florida |
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| Nearest city | St. Marks, Florida |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000271 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 13, 1966 |
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is a special place in Wakulla County, Florida. It's built around an old Spanish fort. This fort was used by many different countries over time. The Spanish first built wooden buildings and a fence here. This was in the late 1600s and early 1700s. A big hurricane later destroyed these wooden structures.
A stronger stone fort was started in 1753. This fort was controlled by Great Britain, Spain, and the United States. During the American Civil War, the Confederacy also used it. Later, a hospital for sailors was built using parts of the fort. The U.S. took control again in 1865. After that, the fort site was left empty.
On November 13, 1966, this fort area became a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site in the U.S.. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. The fort site is part of the Florida Native American Heritage Trail. It is still a Florida State Park today.
You can find this historic park near St. Marks. It's off S.R. 363, at 148 Old Fort Road.
Contents
Fort San Marcos de Apalache: A Historic Florida Park
What is Fort San Marcos de Apalache?
Fort San Marcos de Apalache is a state park in Florida. It protects the remains of an old fort. This fort played a big role in Florida's history. Many different countries wanted to control this area. The fort shows how Florida changed hands over hundreds of years.
A Fort with Many Owners
The fort's history is like a story of different flags. It started with Spain. Then came Britain, then Spain again. After that, the United States took over. Even during the Civil War, it was used by the Confederacy.
Early Spanish Forts
In 1679, the Spanish built a wooden fence, called a stockade, here. They named it San Marcos de Apalache. This was part of their plan to expand in Florida. A small town grew around the fort starting around 1733. Another wooden fort was built around 1753. But a hurricane destroyed it, and the soldiers inside drowned.
British and Spanish Control
In 1759, the Spanish started building a stronger stone fort. This new fort was made to withstand attacks from ships. After a big war called the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War), Spain gave this land to the British. The British used the fort as a military base.
After the American Revolutionary War, the British traded some land with Spain. Spain got control of Florida again in 1783. Spanish soldiers moved back into the San Marcos fort. They made its defenses even stronger.
The United States Takes Over
After the American Revolution, more American settlers moved into the Southeast. General Andrew Jackson led some military actions in this area. His forces took control of the Spanish fort in 1818. The fort was the site of an event involving two men who were tried and executed during a conflict. The U.S. kept the fort for almost a year. A military cemetery was started there for soldiers who died. Most died from diseases like dysentery. In 1819, the United States bought Florida from Spain. This included the fort site.
A Hospital and the Civil War
In 1859, the U.S. government built a hospital for sailors here. They used stones from the old fort to build it. This hospital cared for sick sailors. It also helped people suffering from diseases like yellow fever.
During the American Civil War, the Confederate army took over the fort. This happened after Florida left the Union. U.S. forces took back control in 1865. This was in the last year of the war.
Today, you can still see parts of the stone fort. There's also a museum and visitor center. It's built on the old hospital's foundation. A stone well and a wall have been rebuilt nearby. This was done based on old records.
What Can You Do There Today?
The park is a great place to visit. You can go hiking on trails. There are also nice areas for picnicking. It's a good spot to learn about history and enjoy nature.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de San Marcos de Apalache para niños
- St. Marks, Florida
- Apalachee Bay
- St. Marks River
- Wakulla River
- Wakulla County, Florida
- Negro Fort
- Arbuthnot and Ambrister Incident
Images for kids
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Marker for Fort St. Marks Military Cemetery (1818-1819)
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Gravesites in the military cemetery
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Fort site, rivers in distance
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Marker for the state historic park
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National Historic Landmark plaque
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View from the fort of St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers' confluence
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Museum built on foundations of Civil War hospital; reconstructed well and wall
